John Kichi – 7/23/06

This page was last updated on July 24, 2006.

Syrian conflict not news; John Kichi; Beaver County Times; July 23, 2006.

What “Syrian conflict?”

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Jews killing Arabs and/or Arabs killing Jews is not news. I repeat, not news.”

[RWC] I could be wrong, but I believe it’s more accurate to refer to Muslims instead of Arabs. For example, Iran claims Israel should be wiped from the face of the Earth, but Iranians are Persians, not Arabs.

“What you ought to be reporting about is how and why the western powers partitioned Palestine to the ever-lasting regret and tribulation of the planet.”

[RWC] The League of Nations and the United Nations partitioned Palestine, not simply “western powers.”

I believe the decision to partition Palestine was an error, just as it would be to partition any country based on religious and/or ethnic lines. That said, during its 58 years of existence, Israel has proven it wants to live in freedom and peace and poses no threat to its neighbors.

If Mr. Kichi believes we’d be at peace without Israel, he’s dreaming. Even if Israel didn’t exist, Muslims would still be trying to exterminate us infidels and those Muslims who are not “Muslim enough.” He should pay attention to history and the proclamations of current Muslim leaders.

“And you could also mention that the Israeli claim that God gave them the land they so violently and brutally defend, is specious.”

[RWC] “Defend” is the operative word here. Israel only retaliates; it doesn’t initiate military confrontations and didn’t start the current battling.

Lest we forget, Muslims told Israel all they needed to do for peace was to leave Gaza and southern Lebanon. Israel did both – even forcibly removing Israeli citizens from their homes. Since Israel left Lebanon six years ago and Gaza last year, Israel has been under constant attack. What started the recent breakout of warfare was Muslims crossing into Israel from both Gaza and Lebanon to kill and capture Israeli soldiers.

What does Mr. Kichi want Israel to do? Stand back and do nothing when its citizens are killed and taken hostage?