Comments on: Sheik Yassin Assassination

By: Josh Barkin

Josh Barkin — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I worry that you’re getting sucked into some screwed up media portrayals. I don’t consider myself a conservative (indeed, I am very critical of the Sharone gov’t, and I believe in the creation of a Palestinian state), I have trouble with how the elimination of Yassin, a cold-blooded murderer, is being painted as an act of violent aggression on the part of Israel.

From the link below:

Nearly all news reports claimed within the first two sentences that the IDF strike is “likely to escalate violence,” and constitutes “an enormous gamble by Sharon” that “risks triggering a dramatic escalation in bloodshed.” (Associated Press)

This claim ― which belongs on the editorial page, not in the same breath as the actual news report of the event ― was so widespread that one almost forgets that it represents only the Palestinian position: The official PA statement characterized the Israeli strike as inviting “more violence and further escalation.”

The absent Israeli position: Though terrorist efforts may increase temporarily, in the long run the elimination of Yassin will upset Hamas’ leadership and violent capabilities, and serve as an essential deterrent to ongoing Palestinian terror. As Israeli spokesman Avi Pazner said:

“His elimination will serve peace in the long run. He is personally responsible for all the most dreadful attacks in Israel. He was a dangerous extremist Islamic ideologist. He was danger to the entire region. By eliminating this threat to peace we will improve chances for a better Middle East.”

http://www.honestreporting.com/articles/critiques/Sheikh_Yassins_Happiest_Day.asp

By: cobalt

cobalt — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I just found this link on your page from a survey of the
Technorati.com service where you can check the web for
sites that mention your blog. How did you happen to find
it? I am guessing that it is due to my association with
leftists…er…I mean, “progressives” in Open Source Politics
at http://www.ospolitics.org. So, I’ve read your post on the
murder of the Palestinian leader, and I am glad to see your
comments and link. I don’t see too much on blogs or the web
right now about all this. Yet it is another MURDER sanctioned
by the US administration. I’d find it hard to believe that the
Bush folks did NOT know about this plan, ahead of time. So, the
US officially murders those two sons of Sadaam Hussein, and the
Israelis murder the spiritual leader of the Palestinians. And
no one much blinks. I’ve been wondering about the whole “eye for
an eye” concept. How can this revenge serve modern humanity? I
despair for the future of the world.

By: Yikes!

Yikes! — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

“If I look confused it is because I am thinking.” -Samuel Goldwyn

Rhyme and Reason:Sorting it out?Prologue: “I’m not confused. I’m just well mixed.” - Robert Frost “The mere attempt to examine my own confusion would consume volumes.” - James Agee Act I: I don’t know whether or not so see this