Israel 60th Birthday

Regardless of one's belief about Israel, violence is not the answer and both HAMAS and Israel need to be condemned for their appeal to violence to advance their cause.

To many Westerners and Israelis, it looks like the Arabs keep losing and just can't admit it. To many Arabs, it seems equally obvious that they are guaranteed to win in the long run.

In Israel, Bush suggests Obama would appease US enemies as President. Aren't stupid foreign policy statements the province of the Vice President?

Those who confuse preemptive with pro-active are those who deliberately blur the boundaries between civilization and chaos.

When Bush tells Israelis that he is ready for war on Israel's behalf, he is giving currency to an idea that harms Israel. And Jews.

When President Bush steps off his plane to help Israel mark its 60th birthday, he will stride firmly into the past of one side. What he won't hear is the Palestinian story.

The occasion of Israel's sixtieth anniversary should become a historic national turning point, the moment to begin to bring the occupation to an end and re-channel its energy towards peace and prosperity.