NPR turns its attention to Olmert's political fortunes following Israel's assault on Lebanon. The story mentions the woes of northern Israel during the war, but makes no mention whatsoever of the crimes and atrocities committed by Israel in Lebanon. Or perhaps even more disturbing, Israel's crimes against the Israeli administered mega-ghetto of Gaza. Then after this soft piece, NPR follows it up with a piece that subtly attempts to link criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. The piece purports to look at German laws against anti-Semitism and how they might stifle critiques of Israeli policy, but what we get to hear is how critics of Israel may well be like Gunter Grass -- former members of the SS. We also hear how critics of Israel often absurdly compare Israel's practices to the actions of Nazi Germany.I absolutely agree that comparing any human rights abusers to the Nazi's is a stupid tactic. Whatever the merits of the comparison, it is a non-starter for debate or discussion. Instead a better tactic is to just list the crimes and atrocities of the government, army, militia, etc. that one is concerned about--and let the reader/listener draw their own conclusions. With this in mind here are a few of the atrocities that Israel has committed of late:
- Amnest Reports of April 11, 2006 and March 23, 2006.
- East Jerusalem "Cleansing" from EI
- Gaza (see link above)
- Amira Hass reporting for Haaretz
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