Isreal – Truth and Propaganda
I would like to respond to the column, “Double Standards – The Last Part” that appeared in the Statesman on 6 November.
Anyone who has read even a little bit about the history of that region knows that the guest column by Mr. Jaafar was more than a little biased. Of course it is an editorial page and here in America it is one of our rights to say what we feel.
There are, however, several points that Hadi Jaafar left out of his column. While I would like to respond to them all, I will just focus on the part about the 1967 Arab/Israeli war.
Mr. Jaafar says that in 1967, Israel expanded its occupation of Arab land to fully control the Palestinian land. This is true. Now for the rest of the story.
For several months in the first part of 1967, Egyptian President Nassar built up his armies on the Sinai Peninsula getting ready to “Drive the Jews into the Mediterranean Sea.” Along with Joran and Syria, Egypt planned a massive attack on Israel.
Rather than being crushed by their surrounding enemies, Israel launched a devistating preemtive strike. They destroyed the entire Egyptian Air Force before it could even leave the groud. After six days, Israel had completely routed its Arab enemies. If anyone wants to learn more about this war and Israel’s history, I recommend “Fantasic Victory” by Cleon Skousen.
Israel is brutal. It occupies land once held by Palestinians. But there are two sides to this story and the Arabs are just as much to blame for the violence. Both sides of the story ought to be told honestly.
Brian Smith787-2104