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None so blind as a UN rights expert
The Australian ^ | April 18 2008 | David Aaronovitch

Posted on 04/18/2008 2:18:22 PM PDT by knighthawk

...

So what did the 40-plus members of the council see in Falk? As far as I can tell his attraction lies in the following. He is American, he is Jewish and, more deliciously in light of the first two, he blames Israel for just about everything, as opposed to those who (rightly, in my opinion) blame it for quite a lot. This, for example, is Falk in 2002, on the second intifada: "Palestinian resistance gradually ran out of military options and suicide bombers appeared as the only means still available by which to inflict sufficient harm on Israel so that the struggle could go on."

There are three problems with this analysis. The first is that suicide bombing began in Israel in 1994, when Hamas saw the Oslo peace process as threatening to succeed. Second, the suicide bombs were obviously utterly counterproductive in terms of procuring peace and indeed helped to destroy the Israeli peace movement. And, third, other resistances (Tibet, Darfur?) seem to have avoided the only means of suicide bombing aimed at civilians: family restaurants, buses, schools, discos and groups of teenagers, to be more specific.

...

(Excerpt) Read more at theaustralian.news.com.au ...


TOPICS: Israel; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: falk; israel; un

1 posted on 04/18/2008 2:18:22 PM PDT by knighthawk
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To: MizSterious; Nix 2; green lantern; BeOSUser; Brad's Gramma; dreadme; Turk2; keri; ...

Ping


2 posted on 04/18/2008 2:18:41 PM PDT by knighthawk (We will always remember We will always be proud We will always be prepared so we may always be free)
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To: knighthawk
He is American, he is Jewish and, more deliciously in light of the first two, he blames Israel for just about everything, as opposed to those who (rightly, in my opinion) blame it for quite a lot.

That didn't take long.  REJECT!

I'm Israel's defender, but it's a given that it is a state that deserves to be blamed for quite a lot.  No you're not, and not it isn't.

This sets forth a premise in defenst of Israel, that is in itself a slander against Israel.  Bull s--t!

3 posted on 04/18/2008 2:26:17 PM PDT by DoughtyOne (McCain is rock solid on SCOTUS judicial appointments. He voted for Ginsberg, Kennedy and Souter.)
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To: knighthawk

According to the article he is also a 9/11 Truther.


4 posted on 04/18/2008 2:33:08 PM PDT by Shermy ( "We are the ones we have been waiting for" - egocentric self-messianism?)
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To: knighthawk

he blames Israel for just about everything, as opposed to those who (rightly, in my opinion) blame it for quite a lot.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Then there are those of us who, after considering everything and everyone involved in the “conflict”, blames Israel for nothing. Be glad I’m not in charge. There would be 20 some Arab countries burned to a cinder and I feel certain that no one would miss them.


5 posted on 04/18/2008 2:57:12 PM PDT by Joan Kerrey
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To: knighthawk

he blames Israel for just about everything, as opposed to those who (rightly, in my opinion) blame it for quite a lot.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Then there are those of us who, after considering everything and everyone involved in the “conflict”, blames Israel for nothing. Be glad I’m not in charge. There would be 20 some Arab countries burned to a cinder and I feel certain that no one would miss them.


6 posted on 04/18/2008 2:57:19 PM PDT by Joan Kerrey
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To: knighthawk
professor emeritus of international law at Princeton University, Richard Falk

Richard Falk is a notorious leftwing radical who colluded with the North Vietnamese to exploit the vulerabilities of families of American POW's, attempting to put presssure on them to serve communist anti-American interests. He was also one of the leading perpetrators of the fraudulent "war crimes tribunals" known as the "Winter Soldier Investigatons" in 1971 in Detroit.

Just the kind of diseased filth the UN is famous for.

7 posted on 04/18/2008 3:14:20 PM PDT by hinckley buzzard
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To: Joan Kerrey

“Then there are those of us who, after considering everything and everyone involved in the “conflict”, blames Israel for nothing.”

So Israel isn’t to blame for selling our weapons technology (that we give them for free) to China?

Israel isn’t to blame for breaking the Oslo agreement they signed by building more settlements?

Israel isn’t to blame for refusing to sign the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and barring international inspectors?

Israel isn’t to blame for constantly violating the air space of sovereign nations?

Israel isn’t to blame for refusing to compensate for the land, businesses, and bank accounts it has confiscated over the years?

There’s one thing Israel surely isn’t to be blamed for — gullible Americans who are always eager to give Israel a pass for anything.


8 posted on 04/18/2008 3:23:44 PM PDT by tabsternager
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To: tabsternager

always eager to give Israel a pass for anything.
+++++++++++++++
And what about the other side’s actions after the “Oslo Agreement”?

And would you cooperate with an organization whose membership is made up of States who blame Israel for everything wrong in the world?

I’d say it’s naive to think of the U.N. as a credible body whose mandates are to be taken seriously. This is the same organization that still refuses to seat Israel in one of the regional blocks. This is the same organization whose Human Right’s Council is stacked with anti-Israel bashers who have never once even criticized any of the 22 Arab states. This is the same organization who disbanded the H R Commission and reestablished it with the same bunch of Israel bashers and giving it a new name H R Council.

Palestinians have been buidling illegally for decades in the land mass called Palestine. Until there is a country called Palestine I think Jews have as much right to continue to own property they have paid for and realise natural growth of settlements that were already there.

As far as confiscating private land, much of that is a myth. Any land that can be proven to be privately owned is safe unless, through imminent domain, the owners are fairly compensated. Israel has courts for that and has won and lost cases fairly judged. Most of the land bashers claim is being stolen is state land (former Ottoman Empire), not privately owned. Most of the settlement issue will be negotiated eventually. Problem is that Palestinian leadership doesn’t want to negotiate with a state they refuse to recognize. When faced with that I don’t blame Israel from doing what they wish with land won during a war waged against them. Maybe you can provide me with a historic example of a nation who lost a war and who was able to sue to get it’s land back after losing it’s aggressive war. I don’t know of any. I can say that Egypt and Jordan both took over Palestinian land and not a word was said for 19 years that they occupied those lands. Maybe one day the Palestinians will love their children more than they hate Israel and we’ll see peace there.

I stopped caring about the Palestinians when 80% danced and celebrated in the streets after 9/11 and when 80% support terror against innocent women and children. I especially stopped caring when I saw and see today the daily hate indoctrination of Palestinian children, ensuring that hate and intolerance and the culture of death and destruction continues for decades to come. The Jews aren’t doing this, the Arabs are yet you’d think from all the press that it’s Israel who is the villain. Utter Non-sense!!!!!!!!


9 posted on 04/18/2008 6:38:41 PM PDT by Joan Kerrey
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To: Joan Kerrey

“And what about the other side’s actions after the “Oslo Agreement”?

You said you don’t Israel for anything. My point was there’s plenty of blame to go around to both sides.

“And would you cooperate with an organization whose membership is made up of States who blame Israel for everything wrong in the world?”

We invaded Iraq because they failed to comply with UN resolutions. When it comes to Israel, all of a sudden UN resolutions are “unfair.”

“As far as confiscating private land, much of that is a myth.”

Sorry, but it appears you’ve bought the propaganda. As far as the land, Israel has built about 270 settlements since Oslo. Do you really think all those settlements have been built on vacant land? They get around it, though, by declaring land “state land,” and, obviously, the Israeli courts are stacked on Israel’s side.

Arafat and now Abbas have recognized Israel’s right to exist. But Israel just won’t give up the settlements and keeps building Jewish-only settlements and Jewish-only roads on Palestinian land, separating Palestinian villages from each other. That was a big reason why the last so-called “generous offer” from Israel was rejected.

Unfortunately, many Christians in this country, due to their twisted misreading of scripture, also believe in Israel’s “right” to confiscate land.


10 posted on 04/19/2008 5:40:25 AM PDT by tabsternager
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To: tabsternager
We invaded Iraq because they failed to comply with UN resolutions. When it comes to Israel, all of a sudden UN resolutions are “unfair.” Huge difference between secuity council resolutions and general assembly resolutions. There have probably been hundreds of GA resolutions against Israel, while none (ZERO) against Arab states who the whole world recognizes that they have endless violations of the most basic of human rights. And all these side agreements since S C resolution 242 basically refer back to that resolution which has NEVER been accepted by the Arab states. Without honoring that resolution there can be no peace and we've been stuck there since 1967. Until that resolution is honored Israel is under no more obligation to abide by it than the Arabs are. There is plenty of proof that Israel has taken steps to pave way for peace and none from the Arab side. You say Abbas recognizes Israel. Maybe he should change the PA charter then and maybe he should stop indoctrinating Palestinian children with hate, intolerance etc. What exactly has Abbas done toward honoring any agreements of 242 and beyond? Lebanon and Gaza are two examples of what happens with the land for peace steps Israel has taken. Do you really believe that the same thing won't happen with a pullout from West Bank territories? Why is it that every country the palestinians have populated experienced attacks and turmoil. Jordan and Lebanon are good examples of how Palestinians thanked their hosts. If Arab states have such great empathy for the Palestinians why is it that they ejected them during the gulf war I? Why is it that relatively pennies have been given to Palestinian support by the Arab states? Why is it that Palestinians are blocked from Egypt and Palestinians in camps in Syria, Lebanon and other Arab states are not assimilated into those societies but are forced to stay in those camps like prisoners? Children don't go to schools, Adults can not apply for citizenship etc etc. When you look at Arab State behavior relative to the Palestinians I don't see how you can blame Israel for their plight in life. It is in the interest of the Arab states to keep the Palestinians down. It make great propaganda and they can blame it all on Israel's "Occupation" of Palestinian land. Just a quick look at modern history of the players in the middle east should be enough to at least bring questions to one's mind as to what is really the motivation behind the behavior of those players. The truth is that everytime Israel makes concessions the Arabs attack and consider the concession a weakness to be exploited and propagandized. What concessions have the Arabs made that Israel has exploited. If Israel is the land grabbing monster we're told she is, why isn't she still occupying Gaza, Southern Lebanon and why is she negotiating the Golan Heights. Israel wants to live in peace with her neighbors and has demonstated numerous times that desire. The Arabs haven't. It's all that simple yet all we hear about is Israels violations, never the Arabs.
11 posted on 04/19/2008 11:07:40 AM PDT by Joan Kerrey
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To: Joan Kerrey

“The truth is that everytime Israel makes concessions the Arabs attack and consider the concession a weakness to be exploited and propagandized.”

That’s just the point — Israel hasn’t made concessions. They’ve pretended to, of course, but have continued to build settlements to create “facts on the ground.” The rest of the world isn’t duped by that, but Americans sure are because of the propaganda we get that no other country gets.

Israel has has had more UN resolutions against them than any other country in the world, while the U.S. has vetoed many of those resolutions. Do you really believe it’s because it’s a Jewish nation or could it be because they have occupied land in violation of international law since 1967?

I’m sorry, but the truth is the state of Israel has been getting away with much more than any other nation could ever get away with precisely because the U.S. protects them.


12 posted on 04/19/2008 7:36:22 PM PDT by tabsternager
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To: tabsternager

while the U.S. has vetoed many of those resolutions
++++++++++++++++++
As they should have. When looking at the history behind each of the many GA resolutions, who initiated it and the power of the Arab lobby at the U N they are cranking out resolutions non stop. Makes good press I guess but they go no where. It sure makes the world safe that Israel should not be allowed to hold a parade in Jerusalem (one of the many resolutions). There are plenty of these ridiculous resolutions, all designed for Arabs to make the claim that Israel has the most resolutions against it. Most are non-sense and the others fail to present both sides and most are predicated on falsehoods, exagerations or downright lies.

Again...There will be peace in the middle east when arabs love their children more than they hate Israel.


13 posted on 04/20/2008 6:55:54 AM PDT by Joan Kerrey
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To: Joan Kerrey

“Again...There will be peace in the middle east when arabs love their children more than they hate Israel.”

And, according to those who give Israel a pass in their violation of international law, when Arabs accept Israel’s land grabbing and occupation. Would you accept that kind of “peace” if someone came along and confiscated your private property?

There will be peace only when both sides agree on a two-state solution with DEFINED BORDERS, like every other nation in the world has.


14 posted on 04/21/2008 4:08:04 AM PDT by tabsternager
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To: tabsternager

There will be peace only when both sides agree on a two-state solution with DEFINED BORDERS, like every other nation in the world has.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, we finally agree and that’s part of what SC resolution, the basis on which all other agreements have been made, says. What’s missing above however and also in SCR 242 regarding borders are the words “recognized” and “secure”.


15 posted on 04/21/2008 6:48:59 AM PDT by Joan Kerrey
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To: tabsternager
So Israel isn’t to blame for selling our weapons technology (that we give them for free) to China?
Sure, but for the UN this is irrelevent. Also, Israel has been held accountable. Of course, you know that the US resells Israel modifications to Israel's enemies.

Israel isn’t to blame for breaking the Oslo agreement they signed by building more settlements?
Building additional housing on the same property is not an additional settlement. How is it different than Arabs having more children?

Israel isn’t to blame for refusing to sign the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and barring international inspectors?
Have India and Pakistan been held accountable? Do you hold Iran, an enemy of America, accountable?

Israel isn’t to blame for constantly violating the air space of sovereign nations?B Israel isn’t to blame for refusing to compensate for the land, businesses, and bank accounts it has confiscated over the years
Actually, Israel largely does.

16 posted on 04/21/2008 3:08:13 PM PDT by rmlew (There is no god but G_d and Moses is his Prophet.)
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To: rmlew

“Also, Israel has been held accountable.”

In what way? Did they receive less money from us? No. Did we stop sending free weaponry to them? No.

“Building additional housing on the same property is not an additional settlement.”

Israel’s built many new settlements in violation of Oslo. But according to many especially on FR, who drank the Kool-Aid, Israel’s not to blame for anything and is just an innocent victim surrounded by Palestinian bullies.

Here’s a quote from Mitchell Plan’s conclusion:
“A cessation of Palestinian-Israeli violence will be particularly hard to sustain unless the Government of Israel freezes all settlement construction activity. An unequivocal Israeli settlement freeze would eliminate one of the major causes of the failure of Oslo and pave the way for a resumption of meaningful peace negotiations.”

Suffice to say, we really should heed the warning of the founders and be more neutral in our foreign policy.


17 posted on 04/22/2008 6:19:22 AM PDT by tabsternager
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To: tabsternager
I wrote:
“Also, Israel has been held accountable.”
tabsternager responded:
In what way? Did they receive less money from us? No. Did we stop sending free weaponry to them? No.
We restricted certain arms sales to Israel. Certain Co-development deals were tabled. Israel has no part in the development of the F-35. We have also interfered in the sales of indigenous Israeli equipment to China, India, and Turkey.

We also arm and train the PLO in killing Israelis.

I wrote: “Building additional housing on the same property is not an additional settlement.”
tabsternager responded:
Israel’s built many new settlements in violation of Oslo. But according to many especially on FR, who drank the Kool-Aid, Israel’s not to blame for anything and is just an innocent victim surrounded by Palestinian bullies.

Nothing in the Olso accords precludes Israel building new homes on current property. Otherwise Arab building and population increase would likewise be changes of "facts on the ground".

Here’s a quote from Mitchell Plan’s conclusion: “A cessation of Palestinian-Israeli violence will be particularly hard to sustain unless the Government of Israel freezes all settlement construction activity. An unequivocal Israeli settlement freeze would eliminate one of the major causes of the failure of Oslo and pave the way for a resumption of meaningful peace negotiations.”
And the Mitchell report is an Arabist appeasement strategy that actually ignored the text for political ends.

Suffice to say, we really should heed the warning of the founders and be more neutral in our foreign policy.
That is a consistant position. However, I don't see you complaining about our meddling on behalf of the Arabs.

18 posted on 04/22/2008 4:19:46 PM PDT by rmlew (There is no god but G_d and Moses is his Prophet.)
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To: rmlew

“Nothing in the Olso accords precludes Israel building new homes on current property.”

What part of “new settlements” do you not understand?

“However, I don’t see you complaining about our meddling on behalf of the Arabs.”

I believe this thread was about not blaming Israel for anything. But since you’ve mentioned it, giving arms to Israel and to Israel’s enemies both shows the nonsensical foreign policy we have got that needs to be changed. Personally, I’d like to see all foreign aid cut and leave it up to the citizens to donate out of their own pockets to the countries they so choose, with the exception of nations that sponsor terrorism, such as the government of Iran, of course.


19 posted on 04/22/2008 4:35:32 PM PDT by tabsternager
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