Old-fashioned anti-Semitism

Roy writes . . . old-fashioned nonsense here:

"Yes, the Middle East is in a mess, but there is plenty of blame to go around. Centuries under foreign rule, whether Ottoman or European. Then a European state (Israel) planted right in the middle of the Arab world."

It's always the Jews' fault, isn't it, Roy?

"Even to mention its possibility was to incur Israeli wrath, charges of anti-Semitism, etc."

Just as it was completely unreasonable for Israel to hesitate rewarding the people who tried to destroy it then, so it is today, right Roy?

"The Palestinians become so frustrated that they foolishly elect Hamas."

Whenever I'm really frustrated that the nation I tried to slaughter utterly shamed me I elect bloodthirsty, child-killing, sadists too.

"Plenty of blame to go around, as in most such confrontations . . . What we need (and have needed) is a fair resolution of that issue."

Here is what passes for "fair" in Roy's eyes:

"There must be a viable Palestinian state with control of its own borders, air, and water, with the Arab section of Jerusalem as its capital. Palestinians whose homes were taken or demolished etc need to be compensated. Many of the 9000 Palestinians prisoners need to be released. Etc."

In other words, Roy defines "fair" as "reward murderers, liars, and thieves for their murdering, lying, and stealing."

"In exchange, the Palestinians must give up all terrorism and recognize Israel."

That's already been tried. Every time Israel sacrifices, Arab Muslims (not "Palestinians") displaced by Muslim [greed for Jewish blood] slaughter more innocent Israelis.

"Together, side by side, the two states could set an example for the rest of the world."

They're already an example of the effectiveness of good-will negotiations with Islam.

More from Roy:

"(4) The sort of intolerance toward Islam apparent in many posts confirms the deep religious prejudice (and ignorance) of many posters. Why not read some of Karen Armstrong's writings? We need to have more understanding, less bigotry."

[If you want to understand Islam, Karen Armstrong is one of the last places you should turn.]

What you define as "understanding" is more correctly termed "ignorance;" what you call "bigotry" is more accurately named "honesty."

Exactly what part of ". . . kill the unbelievers wherever you find them . . ." (Qur'an 9:5) do you find so tolerable?

How does a knowledge of 1400 years of global Jihad and the religious texts that inspire and invigorate it qualify as "prejudice"?

If it seems that you are unacquainted with Islam's actual theology and history, citing Karen Armstrong only proves it.

Roy finishes with a flourish:

"the Hebrew scriptures are full of mass muder, even genocide. Consider Joshua slaughtering every inhabitant in Jericho, Ai, etc. And what about Saul's slaughter of the Amalekites - every one of them. And the crowds cheering David - Saul kills thousands, David kills tens of thousands, or whatever. If we judge Judaism by such stories from its scriptures it certainly would appear to be a religion of violence."

Again, a false moral equivalence wrapped in a tu quoque argument! Why do you avoid addressing the bloodlust of Allah and his false prophet?

Nearly all of the warfare recorded in the Old Testament writings are accounts of historical events, not one command requires offensive warfare to make the world Zion.

And as for the command given to conquer the Promised Land, that was limited to a specific target, place, and time. It was a divine judgment of those peoples carried out by Ancient Israel (who later suffered a similar judgment at the hands of foreign powers because of their wickedness).

It is in no way comparable to the universal commands given by Allah and his apostle for offensive warfare against all non-Muslims to make the world Islam.

"The solution? Talk and talk and talk, instead of demonizing and speaking arrogantly."

Thank you very much, Neville Chamberlain.

Talking with those whose religious obligation it is to convert, subjugate, or kill you doesn't seem like an effective strategy, unless your goal is to give them enough time to slit your throat.

And telling the truth is not demonizing.

"Basis for negotiation: we will recognize Israel if you will encourage a viable Palestinian state"

So, Muslim terrorists attack innocent Israelis, and Israel must reward the killers to gain their recognition?

That's not negotiation, that's suicide.

"Dignity and humiliation are major components of the problem. You don't gain peace and understanding when you treat subject people like dirt. I was in Israel four times and saw firsthand the humiliation of Palestinians."

Is that humiliation Israel's fault for defending itself, or the "Palestinians'" fault for repeatedly attacking them in the first place?

Stop blaming the victim.

Israel constantly sacrifices for the good of its Muslim neighbors. Where are their Coreligionists of Peace?

Those who slaughter innocents deserve much worse than humiliation.