Israel

President Obama is in the process, like his many predecessors, of trying to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians. My one and only issue of agreement with President Bush, was his stance on Israel, as an unshakeable Democratic ally, the only real established Democracy in the entire area. President Obama has the lowest popularity in Israel of any U.S. President, unfairly in my judgement but as he tries to broker an agreement, I hope he does not confuse his desire for peace with his responsibilities to bring peace but not at all costs. Israel's size is miniscule to say the least and it is a nation that has been losing the public relations war around the world. Anti Semitism is on the rise and Israel is the scapegoat for media outlets and groundless criticisms the world over. I recognize the need and desire for Palestinian autonomy and I fully know that Arabs and Israelis conduct business, engage in commerce and even respect each other as human beings. I know that a healthy two state situation, with two democracies will lift the disenfranchised into the sunlight and the technologies and knowledge that Israel has shared with the world can be used to help boost a struggling people in the name of decency and harmony. There is one big BUT, however, the one that is continually ignored... the fact that Israel's Palestinian negotiating partner has failed to officially recognize its right to exist. Instead, they argue about the periferal issues, settlement freezes and right to return, all important but a constant existential threat by your negotiating partner cannot safely result in a lasting peace. Instead of the world condemning Israel, it must be fair and rise up against Palestinian violence, attempts to derail peace at all costs, and sworn doctrine of destruction. No peace until that time. Where are you Americans for Reason and truth?