UN Recognizes Palestine

I am off now , as Friday and Saturday are date nights for me and hubby , nothing rude though !!

I am going to watch the Judge and Cops first .

Then a glass or two of wine .

x

Enjoy.

I think it was someone on Gransnet who directed me to www.avaaz.com. They have sent me an e.mail today claiming success for their petition in support of Palestine. If anyone is as embarrassedas I am about the UK Government's stance on recognition of Palestine you could record your disaproval at the Avaaz website.

jO5 America's friendship with Israel goes back to Harry Truman's desire for re-election, i.e to just before the birth of modern Israel. His support of a Jewish state went against the advice of most of his political colleagues.

It's my understanding that the majority of Jews in the US normally vote for the Democrats. And, of course, there's the financial support too. It doesn't follow that all Jews are supporters of Israel's aggressive stance on Palestine. I get emails from an organisation, Jewish Voice for Peace, which campaigns for justice for Palestine. There are many American organisations affiliated to this group, so there are voices being raised in the USA in defence of Palestine but all too many voices shouting louder.

jewishvoiceforpeace.org/

absent here's another history lesson

I'll read it.

Later.

Perhaps.

Did someone teach you the huge amount of knowledge you have?

Or can you remember it?!

One of the annoying things about these forums is the fact that someone submits a thread. It starts off by being discussed then people go off on a tangent about something entirely unrelated. However, it's what older people do so perhaps I shouldn't complain but it is nearly always the same people - you know who you are

What is there in this thread that is entirely unrelated dorsetpennt? American support for Israel is crucial for its continued existence in its present form. That support was founded partly on one man's particular interest in the Middle East (and lack of interest in the Soviet Union) and as a smart piece of political expediency. In other words, American support, while strong at the moment, could change again almost on a whim.

The establishment of a viable Palestinian state depends on resolving the dispute over borders, settlements, Arab refugees and the status of Jerusalem. American pressure on Israel over any or all of of these would massively disrupt the status quo. Israel's recent forays into Gaza and, a little while ago, into Lebanon have caused political twitchings. If, for example, it decided to use nuclear weapons – even against the "pariah" state of Iran – its position on the world stage would be very seriously altered.

Oh that just doesn't make any sense dorset. What is wrong with going into the background of the present day situation. It's interesting AND educational! You can't really comment on anything with0ut basically understanding it.

Jing, I find myself in complete agreement with you.

Don't worry too much jens.

Actually it's the way of the world dorset. Conversations, whether on forums or face to face, ebb and flow, move forwards, backwards and sideways. That's the art of it. It's not just older people either.

" It's not just older people either." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That goes without saying missis!

Sorry did I butt into a private conversation?

No! Not at all!

I always thought that a characteristic that often defined "older people" was their inability to process new information and their dogged determination to hold on to worn out views, but I could, of course, be wrong.

dorsetpennt I'm perfectly okay being one of those annoying people to whom your refer. In fact, I think that Gransnetters should feel free to wander "off course"...it's one reason why I enjoy this forum so much.

Most of American foreign policy is based on expediency and self interest, although they have tried to portray themselves as altruistic saviours of the world. The love affair with Middle East states is based on their need for oil, and according to a report I heard on Radio 4 this week, it could end in the next twenty years because it appears the USA could be self-sufficient in oil through such new processes as cracking. Wouldn't it be good if the USA and Britain stopped turning a blind eye to the flagrant abuses of the rights of people in countries such as Saudi Arabia. I won't hold my breath, because there will still be corrupt politicians and businessmen.

Wise words, Greatnan.

I heard that about cracking on R$ Greatnan. I think USA does genuinely feel some kind of affinity with Israel as well though.

R4 !

According to this the US doesn't get a huge percentage of oil from the middle East. (I didn't know that)

I am sure many Jewish Americans feel affinity with Israel, but I don't know if black or Hispanic and other non-Jewish Americans have much interest and of course there are large numbers of Muslims who are unlikely to be supportive. I think it is not so much the number of supporters of Israel in America, as the wealth and power they have.