If Hamas Must Renounce Violence, So Should Israel

Rice is also asking for large sums of money inorder to install a propaganda media within Iran. The ploy is not secretive and hence the USA is blatantly telling Iran that they will start to overthrow their Government.

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Expect little from life and get more from it.

Great article. <br />
With all the talk about freedom of speech and the press, this seems to be one thing many avoid. Why is that?<br />
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There should be at the very least, an ability to have an open dialogue on the facts. On both sides. <br />
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I was watching the Michael Coren show and he said with a smirk that the reason the Globe and Mail refused to post the controversial cartoons was because they were afraid to, that it had nothing to do with being respectful about one's faith. While that may be true, is it not also true that many journalists, media outlets and politicians also avoid talking about this?<br />
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The situation in the middle east upset me. I had no knowledge of anything going on until this war. Everything I read in the media was one-sided. I took the time to educate myself by way of reading world newspapers, books and documents (many of them government). <br />
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I came across a site that logged the daily blockades, attacks, arrests in Palestine (I can't find it again, still trying). I can't imagine living like that. Although I don't agree with volence of any kind, how can people say "unless you stop these suicide bombers we will not negotiate" Isn't that kind of like saying to the President of the United States or our Prime Minister to stop all murderers in the country? How can a leader stop people from doing something? Most parents can't even keep tabs on their own children, how do you keep tabs on every person in your country or be held responsible for every citizens actions. It doesn't mean they should not condemn it but, come on...<br />
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So, thanks Linda. Maybe now people can start a fair and open dialogue about the Isreal/Palestine conflict without being afraid, accused or threatened. <br />
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If anyone is interested in some history:<br />
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Israel and Palestine: A Brief History<br />
<a href="http://www.mideastweb.org/briefhistory.htm">http://www.mideastweb.org/briefhistory.htm</a><br />
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Maybe the more we discuss it, our politicians will...<br />
I'd love to see an end to this conflict, I am sure many citizens on both sides feel the same.<br />
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<p>---<br>These days, if you are not confused, you are not thinking clearly. Mrs. Irene Peters

Why is it that this can go on and the whole world closes its eyes? <br />
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Control with no Liability: New Report on Barta<br />
Friday, 24 February 2006, 4:58 pm<br />
Press Release: Physicians For Human Rights In Israel <br />
Control with no Liability- New Report on Barta`a enclave<br />
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Physicians for Human Rights-Israel released a new report today focusing on the enclave of Barta`a, which is trapped between the separation barrier and the “green line”. Inside the enclave live 5000 people. The medical services, quality of life, economy and education have all suffered because of the fence’s path. Israel ignores its responsibility towards the residents and violates international law.<br />
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A resident of 'Araqa, trying to leave the enclave to go back to his village on the Palestinian side of the wall, was arrested by soldiers at the checkpoint. After engaging in a confrontation with the soldiers, he was jailed in an iron cage adjacent to the passage. Several hours later, after his calls to the soldiers were ignored, he removed his belt from his pants and tried to hang himself. <br />
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The Barta`a enclave, in the northwestern section of the West Bank, includes the villages of Barta'a al-Sharqia, Um al-Rihan, Daher al-Maleh, Khirbet Abdallah al-Yunis and Khirbet a-Sheikh Sa'ed. The residents’ lives have been severely affected by the path of the wall which separates them from the rest of the West Bank while they remain disconnected from Israel as well- the villages are a “closed military zone”. There is one checkpoint, “Rihan”, through which the residents can leave and enter the enclave. Residents of the West Bank who are not residents of the enclave require a special permit to enter, and over one third of the requests are denied. <br />
Harm to the Medical Services:<br />
<a href="http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0602/S00447.htm">http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0602/S00447.htm</a><br />
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IDF opens fire on medical team wounding many<br />
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Friday, 24 February 2006, 4:33 pm<br />
Press Release: International Solidarity Movement <br />
Israeli military opens fire on medical team wounding Palestinian and International medical volunteers<br />
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"We were standing in the alley way, everything was quite when suddenly without warning we heard a big explosion and heard gun shots. I then saw Jarar and Ihab liying on the floor. Ihab wasn't moving." Wounded Dutch medical volunteer<br />
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At 11:45 this morning an explosion set off by the Israeli military inside the house belonging to Muhammed Abu Hamis Abu Amar caused a fire in the house. Occupation forces prevented fire trucks from accessing the area and told them that they will be detonating further explosions in the same house. Emergency teams accompanied by international volunteers treated children in some of the adjacent houses who were effected by smoke inhalation. Neighbours attempted to put out the fire by bringing buckets of water.<br />
<a href="http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0602/S00441.htm">http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0602/S00441.htm</a><br />
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<p>---<br>These days, if you are not confused, you are not thinking clearly. Mrs. Irene Peters