>>>>>>>>If the Palestinians disarmed, there would be peace -- for Israel. The Palestinians would still be stateless and would still be subject to Israel putting up walls, invading settlements with tanks, etc. (Which are certainly taken as belligerent acts by the Palestinians).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>As I said in another message, whose fault is it that they're stateless? Not Israel's. As for walls and tanks and all that, it's all been reaction to terrorism (whether you think it's the right reaction or not). Read the history of the area since WWII and see if you really think that Israel is generally belligerent.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Tamar
>>>>>>
>>>>>>If a person doesn't want to see the truth, he would not see it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I concur with everything you said.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>I am not avoiding the truth. I see it as I see it, and I do not come to it with a particular POV. As you do, and Tamar does, and Peter does -- and I AM NOT saying that judgmentally. I am looking at it through the eyes of a U.S. citizen with no known anti-Semitism who thinks Israel has caused the U.S. a whole lot of trouble. That's all.
>>>>>
>>>>>I realize there is a difference when one is part of a group that has been discriminated against. I am fortunate enough not to have been.
>>>>
>>>>I don't think you're representing the point of view of a typical American here. But if you do, then it's too bad.
>>>
>>>
>>>What do you mean by that? That Americans should be extensions of Israeli interests and policy? If so, I disagree vehemently. They've got their country, we've got ours. It's not our job to prop them up and by so doing cause ourselves trouble in an entire region of the world.
>>
>>Mike, you haven't replied to the post where I criticized you for using the word 'belligerent'. I MUST say that using this word really was one statement too much! You, of course, have the full right to come forward with arguments that are not so pleasant for your opponents. But calling Israel BELLIGERENT is really ridiculous. The word anti-semite comes to mind, but you strongly think of yourself as not being anti-semite, so I'll respect that. But you do show very much indifference for the fate of the jewish people. Too much indifference.
>
>
>I am not indifferent to the fate of the Jewish people, or Palestinians, or anyone else. It just isn't my battle and I don't think it's my country's battle.
>
>As far as calling Israel belligerent, I will stand by that. I'm sorry you don't like it. As I suggested before, let's please just agree to disagree. I am not looking to make any enemies here. (Well, there is one who I don't care about making an enemy. You can guess who. He came in from left field with his usual agenda).

Belligerent:
- Inclined or eager to fight; hostile or aggressive.
- Of, pertaining to, or engaged in warfare.
- One that is hostile or aggressive, especially one that is engaged in war.

These were taken from Dictionary.com. As I read it, you are condemning rather than criticizing. You paint a picture of really evil people there. The nuance is gone.
You say you are not indifferent to the fate of the jews, but that it just isn't your battle. Fine, I can understand that. But why then do you condemn Israel at the same time? A more neutral opinion would be more in line, don't you think?