[a_witness]

My thinking on Israel is gradually changing. It troubles me that "settlements" are in the Gaza and West Bank.

Does it also trouble you that Americans settled Texas ?

Not only is this clearly Palestinian territory, but the very word "settlement" is troubling.

It's almost as bad as say, colony.

Using this word makes a Jewish incursion sound like a fortified village in aboriginal territory.

If you don't fortify they will murder you quite savagely.

Perhaps, at the base of everything, this attitude is what troubles me and (I believe) others.

It certainly troubles Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. So now you have your others.

[shrinkermd]

Your support for Israel is admirable and well spoken. INHO you miss the point I made. The problem is that Palestine has been a densely populated and civilized region for at least 3000 years and perhaps 5000 years. Putting "settlements" in this area is not like like settling an area previously sparsely populated only by hunting and gathering peoples who are in the stone age. Morally, you are right --there is no difference, but practically there is a world of difference.

Israel with its "setttlements" in the Gaza and West Bank is not only inflaming the situation but it is rapidly losing support from people like me who have always supported their efforts. At first this change will have little effect, but, eventually, it will be reflected in our politicians attitudes.