News:
In yet another move with seemingly anti-Israeli undertones, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip last weekend. The resolution passed with an overwhelming 156 to 7 majority with six other countries sitting out of the vote.
The resolution, which carries no enforceable provisions, comes on the heels of an attack that may have killed as many as 82 Palestinian civilians. It is important to note, however, that the attacks were not deliberate and have been blamed by Israeli officials as technical issues with an artillery battery.
Both the United States and Israel voted against the resolution and have since condemned it. John Bolton also offered his take, saying “We believe that the United Nations is ill-served when its members seek to transform the organization into a forum that is little more than a self-serving and polemical attack against Israel or the United States”.http://news.lycos.com/dynamic/stories/U/UN_ISRAEL_PALESTINIANS
Views:
First off, I’m glad that this resolution came through the General Assembly, not the Security Council, and thus carries no real weight.
I’ve never been a big fan of the United Nations. It seems that everything they due is either in defiance of the wishes of the United States or somehow condemning of Israel. I know that I’m exaggerating, but they really do seem to focus on the wrong things.
Many people seem to think that Israel has been overstepping it’s bounds for months, certainly since the July invasion of Lebanon and well before. I wholeheartedly disagree with such a view. It is Israel’s right, even her duty, as a free and sovereign nation to defend herself from foreign armies and terrorists, both at home and abroad. Had Israel invaded with no reason whatsoever, I’d have to wonder, but as it is I support them.
As far as I’m concerned, any attacks from the Palestinians on Israel, whether acts of terrorism or of war, should be taken very seriously and be made examples of. If they ever want to stop them, I think the government really needs to crack down. But then again, what do I know, such actions would probably only inflame them even more.
The other major question revolves around the incident last weekend. Unless there is clear evidence to the contrary, I am more than inclined to believe Israel’s version of events than any of the trash that comes from the Palestinian or Hamas sides. As such, I do believe that Israel is telling the truth when they claim it was a mistake - I think they have more to loose by lying than they could ever hope to gain. It is an unfortunate reality, but innocent people are going to get killed in just about any conflict.
Common Sense:
For heaven’s sake, if you’re a tourist or other person not on official business, stay as far away from the Gaza Strip (and the entire Middle East for that matter) as you possibly can.