Another important figure has spoken out against our one-sided loyalty to the Israel lobby.

George Soros' recent article "On Israel, America and AIPAC", published in the New York Review of Books, is well worth reading. You can click here for the full article: http://www.nybooks.com/articles/20030

He bemoans the leadership of the Democratic Party and their slavish devotion to AIPAC and the pro-Israel right wing:

"I believe that a much-needed self-examination of American policy in the Middle East has started in this country; but it can't make much headway as long as AIPAC retains powerful influence in both the Democratic and Republican parties. Some leaders of the Democratic Party have promised to bring about a change of direction but they cannot deliver on that promise until they are able to resist the dictates of AIPAC."

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie. Except for tanks and M 16s and soldiers glaring eye. And in thy rough streets shouting, " the curfew's on it's clear". The hopes and fears of many cry, "Please don't forget we're here". -- Sue Willbanks, 2002 Oregon unemployment rate: 5-6% Unemployment at worst part of Great Depression: 25% Unemployment rate in Bethlehem, Christmas 2006: 65% Read it and weep. http://www.openbethlehem.org/

Former President Jimmy Carter has just published in important new book called "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" wherein he lays out a blueprint for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. " The overriding problem is that, for more than a quarter century, the actions of some Israeli leaders have been in direct conflict with the official policies of the United States, the international community, and their own negotiated agreements.Israel's continued control and colonization of Palestinian land have been the primary obstacles to a comprehensive peace agreement in the Holy Land. In order to perpetuate the occupation, Israeli forces have deprived their unwilling subjects of basic human rights. No objective person could personally observe existing conditions in the West Bank and dispute these statements. (pp. 207-9)" He was interviewed in Forward, you can see his interview at: http://www.forward.com/articles/carter-discusses-new-book-on-israel-and-...

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