oppression

TMy daughter returned yesterday from a study visit to Israel and Palestine. She has yet to process everything she learned, but her incidental comments have shaken me. Example : her friend Dahlia's boyfriend, a high school senior at a Quaker school in Ramallah, was beaten to a bloody pulp by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint --because he wore a Palestinian red and white checked head scarf. Example: more than 40 resolutions to support Palestinian human rights have been blocked in the UN thanks to Israel's stalwart ally, the USA. Example : the intense and hostile interrogation my daughter got when leaving Israel at the Telaviv airport.

I know some Palestinians are violent but oppression is morally reprehensible and my nation's complicity disgusts and appalls me.

Peace, y'all

Molly

democracy, freedom, and the Middle East

Such exciting times these are.  Tunisia, Egypt, now citizens across the Middle East are stirring.  The U.S. must rethink its position in Middle East--supporting autocrats if they sell us oil and don't make war on Israel.  Advocating democracy is very close to the heart and soul of American policy.  Yet when the Palestinians held an election and chose Hamas, the US turned away.  As if the US has never used terror as a tool! 

The pro-Israel lobby is very powerful in Congress.  Will it hang the US out to dry?  Will it keep our nation in a 20th century paradigm? 

Yes, things are a-changing.  I am watching.  I'm wondering.  I'm eager to see what the future looks like. 

Peace, y'all

Molly