One of the more obvious figures there is wearing the Jewish fringed shawl.

You need to go back to the opticians.

Edited by Kermit8 (10 Jul 2014 11.10pm)

Big chest and massive boobs

[Link]

What's this got to do with you sweetheart?

The fact is that a Russia Today journalist, yes that credible organ Russia Today whose mission is to undermine the US and its allies, prints a picture of what could be anything.

"That was fun and to round off the day, I am off to steal a charity collection box and then desecrate a place of worship.” - Smokey, The Selhurst Arms, 26/02/02

The picture is kind of pointless.

It doesn't mean much at all. These are enemies.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Of course you're right but I want to add something here.

I think there's an implication by many and in your last sentence that we should be fair and balanced to both sides here. That we should be above it all and view these things as though we aren't invested in the motivations and wanted outcomes of both sides.

I don't mean the desired outcome of a peaceful two state solution that I think all of us can wish for....But of the other stated outcomes that an organisation like Hamas (which is now representated across all government) pushes for.

I don't think that's quite appropriate if a person to support the Palestinian government if they are a supporter of or indeed a contributor to life in the west.....But I know many on the left do in great numbers.

Now of course the Palestinians, like the Israelis are a diverse body of groups and views. But outside of that a huge power based in based upon Hamas which now has an external approach to the world which is violent to pretty much everything I believe in.....Indeed now rockets come from both Gaza and the West Bank.

Why should I be even handed to a power base which if I were to walk among them would probebly take me prisoner and or kill me?

Israel isn't ideal and has a government that seeks to worsen the sitation not better it.....But as a country and culture it resonates far more with me and what I can accept.

When I judge actions I will frequently criticise both but when it comes to supporting sides....I support the values that I believe in....Because one side represents western civilisation and the other....with exceptions accepted, doesn't.

The Palestinians have to embrace the moderates until I can start to view them more favourably......And I can't see that happeneing now....As once you vote in Hamas they aren't going to let you vote them out.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

I think that this is a good post that highlights something that is important but rarely recognized. That’s being that while we can argue backwards and forwards about the morality and consequences of the actions of the two sides that ultimately most people take sides then try to justify the actions of their chosen side. In contrast to you, i see Israel as acting against the ideals of Western civilization by conquering a land and people based on an idea of racial superiority and to me the Palestinians represent the values of resisting tyranny. I support the other 'side' but agree that the actions of both are open to plenty of criticism.

The ideals of western civilisation? As in the conquest and settlement of Latin America by the Spanish and Portuguese? As in the conquest and settlement of N. America by the Brits and French? As in the conquest and settlement of Australasia by the Brits?

Zionism did arise in a context of nationalist movements in Europe in the late 19th/early 20th century Europe, its true. But, its not simply the standard westerners conquer and settle a foreign land on basis they are superior to the locals scenario...The Jews inhabited the area, were expelled (in large part) by the Romans...their religious rituals always contained at heart a yearning to return to Zion from exile...so, there was an historical linkage between the settlers and the land ...not that any of that automatically means their cause is right, or in any way excuses the abject failure of the right in Israel since they took over the political agenda nearly 40 years ago to truly seek a just peace with the Palestinians with a viable Palestinian state...any more than Hamas' ideology would involve a truly democratic society for non Muslims (including Palestinian Christians, let alone Jews).

The sad thing is that Zionism arose from centuries of utter oppression of Jews in Europe...only thing is, one cannot but sympathise with the Palestinians as ending up as the fall guys for the (in all too many instances) state sanctioned discriminatory acts of a significant part of European Christian civilisation...

But, I do agree ,many people adopt their "position" and then channel morality to fit their support for that position...including the "parties" to the dispute..