Robert Fisk about Gaza crises

[doommachinex1]

i read that piece. very good.

[manfredr]

"One side has F-18's and hama's killed 20 israeli's over 8 years and Israel in 1 day killed 300"...interesting that if Hama's had stopped killing the Israeli's 8 years ago, perhaps 300 Palestinians would still be alive?

[QuixoticM]

True, but then again, the reason why they attack Israel is because of the fact that they are occupying and further encroaching on palestinian land. It is hard to stop when people who are already occupying your land show no signs of ever leaving and rather keep consolidating their presence there.

[manfredr]

@QuixoticM : you forget that Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, a withdrawal to the 1967 borders (for Gaza at least) and got rockets in return. Same story in Lebanon.

it seems to me that israel is between a a rock and a hardplace. Sympathy for the Pals, but their leadership needs to decide whether they will negotiate or continue to provoke the Israeli's

[Narwal88]

Can anyone imagine the US media describing the Israel-Palestinian conflict as a "David vs Goliath" story?

Compare this piece with the garbage spewed by O'Reilly, Coulter, Wolf Blitzer, not to mention "professor" Dershowitz, etc. etc.

[BeholdZeus]

That Irish news reporter must surely be about 18 years old. I'd love to know what relative got him the job. God bless Robert Fisk. He is a man of truth. A noble soul indeed.

[Rudie88]

robert fisk, great guy and knows what hes chattin about.

[ramanf]

i find it interesting that the world expects equal death count to israel and gaza in a given asymmetric operation ..

hamas knew that israel has war planes and that they will use them, why didn't they hear to the israel prime minister who advised them not to end the cease fire two days before the operation ..

why do you expect israel fight the hamas with rocks and stikes when they have huge bombs ??

international law allows to attack civilian area when attacked from that area.

[malatae4]

blow it out ur ass, murderer

[afsheenbenab33]

The American Govewrnment and the Israeli government can be considered sponsors of state terror. No doubt about it. I accuse the gov'ts of such things not the people.

[parovoz73]

want more ?

[anagnostic]

"America and Israel is indeed terrorists"

Are you suggesting all the citizens of these countries are terrorists? Clearly leaders in these countries have perpetrated terrible crimes against humanity and they should be brought to justice. However to blame a whole population will not deliver justice or peace.

[orangesforeveryone]

America and Israel is indeed terrorists.

[dimdre]

Robert Fisk FTW!! One of the best Middle Eastern Correspondents we've seen. He tells us the facts, whether we want to hear it or not.

[afsheenbenab33]

you are spot on....Maybe Jack was right....We can't handle the truth.

[ramanf]

he tells you fact the suits his ideas, he is not objective at all. he criticizes israel while ignoring the criticism that mast be made of the other sides in that conflict in order to see the real objective reality.

i can tell you lots of well documented fact, i can also reassure you these facts will suit me agenda.

[Rudie88]

people chek out "peace propaganda and the promised land" on utube. its a great documentary teling you the TRUTH!!!

[6Ott7]

Sure yer not.

[Number1Dougster]

"Sure yer not."

Listen, Einstein (who WAS a Jew, how ironic), if you want to think I'm Jewish go right ahead. You're just showing off that single digit IQ of yours. Go back to the coloring books and leave debating to the adults.

[joe80dman]

Einstein also stole his "theory" from the Bern, Switzerland patent office, of which he was an employee. All these years people have scratched their heads wondering how Einstein, who failed every college entrance exam he took, managed to develop E=mc2? While working at the Bern Patent Office, he stole others' patents for his own. No wonder he sticks his tongue out at the cameras in that famous photo! (from the "Barnes Review")

[Number1Dougster]

"Einstein also stole his 'theory' from the Bern, Switzerland patent office, of which he was an employee."

Oh, man, who GIVES a shit? Neither Einstein nor his theory were my real points. WTF?

[uprockbiddy]

It's quite funny how youtube has a script that detects the tags in the video and displays a commercial message on the upper right side, according to the tags...so here, talking about how Israels attack and are being attacked, a commercial with "Visit Israel!Here you get holiday" is displayed...

[nightskytube]

Perhaps the biggest issue, in the United States, is the wholesale control of the media. It's ironic because in Palestine, the Israelis destroy cameras. They understand the value of a camera. And in NY, they own the media. So, controlling public impression is at the heart of their game. Sadly it works, and allows events to become distended.

[Number1Dougster]

"Perhaps the biggest issue, in the United States, is the wholesale control of the media."

Yes, we all know that the sympathy Israel has in the US is a result of the Jews controlling the media. Has nothing to do with the barbaric terrorists both nations find themselves fighting. Keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep at night. I, on the other hand, will keep my views on the conflict grounded in reality.

[Blackfish100]

I would question how someone who supposedly kept their views based on reality could simultaneously consider other human beings barbaric. Am I to believe that terrorists are nothing more than some sort of evil bogymen like caricatures whose only desire is to kill me? Or are they human beings whose actions have been shaped by their life experience and are as complex in their personalities and mentalities as me? I question how you claim to be living in reality sir.

[Number1Dougster]

My views aren't based on reality because I referred to terrorists as barbaric? HUH? Your "logic" is over-the-top bizarre. I'm referring to the BEHAVIOR of terrorists, I'm not questioning that they're human beings. And you question how I claim to be living in REALITY? Why? Because I believe in right & wrong. Because I don't rationalize any & all behavior? Such psycho-babble! Time contraints prevent me from responding to all of your posts right now. Rest assured, SIR, that I will get back to you.

[Blackfish100]

You've defeated your own argument. Morals are not reflective of reality because right and wrong are subjective, hence the reason there are some people in this world who believe I am evil incarnate whilst I consider myself good. Your moral judgment is a reflection not of reality but of its effect on you. It's not Freudian to acknowledge that our morals have no place in observing the world because they are more than likely to warp what we see.

[realitycheck1883]

Robert Fisk is a considerable authority on the Middle East and has been an eye witness to most of the major conflicts. He has also written an excellent book on the civil war in Lebanon called "Pity the Nation". I recommend the chapter "The Keys of Palestine" to those who need to understand the background to the current Israel/Palestine conflict.

[QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

Well, showing bias against an occupier is the same as showing criticism of White South Africa back in the 80s, which was an ally of Israel. By the way, Rafael Eitan saw a certain kinship between the Israelis and South Africnas.

[portland4406]

Robert Fisk is the most important journalist alive! Well done Fisky! Keep it up.

[realitycheck1883]

Robert Fisk - a voice of sanity

[Number1Dougster]

"Robert Fisk - a voice of sanity"

More like a voice of appeasement. Fisk is an apologist for Palestinian extremism and has shown a clear anti-Israeli bias. I take anything he says with a grain of salt.

[Snottkiller]

You muslims love being slaughtered !kinky !

[zakuk77]

After a fourth day of jewish nazi attacks, Palestinian deaths rose to more than 380. At least 80 of the dead are civilians. Two victims yesterday were identified as girls aged four and 11, killed as they rode on a cart. This is the new chapter of jewish nazi state's ethnic cleansing and the bloodiest massacre in Gaza in living memory; a true holocaust in the making!

[hymnsing]

Funny that 'credibility' for Robert Fisk is denied by someone who posted 1 video 2 years ago: an obscene Christmas song (2006) entitled "Jew Girl Toys", where a smart mouth girl tries to seduce Santa Claus, telling him he has nothing to do with Jesus Christ. Fisk has spent years in the Middle East with his eyes open, caring about whether people live or die, risking his own skin in the war zone, instead of just sitting back and reading Washington and Tel Aviv press releases. Guess who's pathetic.

[chillende]

Marry me. :)

[Number1Dougster]

Robert Fisk is a pathetic apologist for terrorists. He has almost no credibility with me.

[kingreich22]

You're wrong. He is not an apologist for anyone. He's an objective journalist who reports the truth, and the truth is that Israel is using excessive force. Moreover, this does not legitimize Hamas behavior in anyway. Both sides are to blame but the more powerful entity caused this by placing an immoral blockade on Gaza when the so-called pro-western Fatah was firing rockets. Robert Fisk is one of the few journalists who have credibility because he doesn't have his ear to AIPAC or Hamas .

[HungarianVeritas]

I agree. Robert Fisk is one of the bravest journalist who are not afraid of being independent. In a word he doesn't think a Jewish life is more valuable than a Palestinian one. I hate double standard.

[Number1Dougster]

"He is not an apologist for anyone. He's an objective journalist who reports the truth, and the truth is that Israel is using excessive force."

I guess "objectivity" & "truth" are relative then. Fisk has a long history of demonizing Israel in it's ongoing conflict with Arab terrorists. I'm familiar with his work and am not impressed. Nor am I impressed with YOUR "objectivity". There's nothing immoral about stopping terrorists from Gaza from entering Israel to murder it's citizens.

[kingreich22]

This would be easily resolved if Israel opens the Gaza borders, ends settlements in the West Bank, make Jerusalem an international zone (move the capital to Tel Aviv), and accept a creation of a democratic Palestinian State. Hamas extremism would lose favor with these actions and so would Israel's extremism too. However, being a cynic this is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

[Number1Dougster]

Kingreich22, there's nothing EASY about resolving this conflict. How, exactly, do you make Jerusalem an "international zone"? Who's going to police it to ensure access to all religious & historical sites there, the UN? Please! Israel seems to be the only nation on earth which doesn't get to choose it's own capital. People act like the 1967 lines are sacrosanct. They're just peace line from the 1948 war. Jerusalem, the Holiest city in Judaism, isn't mentioned ONCE in the Muslim Koran.

[QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

You are incorrect. Jerusalem is mentioned by Muslims in the Quran in the Isra' wal miraj Jerusalem is called the Nocturnal Journey Chapter (Chapter 7). Jerusalem is viewed as a large area of prayer in holiness. It is said Mohammed voyaged there even. The name Orshaleem was not used, but other names were used. Also Al Zaytoun which means the olive refers to Jerusalem i.e. Mount Olive. If you are asking whether the name Orshaleem was used or al qodss, no. Other names referring to it were.

[Number1Dougster]

Show me in the Quran where Jerusalem is mentioned BY NAME. The word JERUSALEM is mentioned countless time in the Bible. Jerusalem is Israel's Mecca. Demands that Israel divide their Holy city along the 1967 lines stem from arrogance, ignorance and intellectual laziness. The 1967 lines, which are just peace lines from the 1948 war, didn't become sacrosanct until long after the Israelis had won that war. As if Israel was adored by it's Arab neighbors before the 1967 war. Such hogwash!

[nightskytube]

The UN Resolutions, all of them, are arbitrary, and that includes the establishment of Israel. I think it's rather obvious that many of these Israelis are Ashkenazy, not descendants of the middle east; many have very fair skin. In fact, immediately after WW2, there was yet another wave of European colonialization: the French into Algiers for example (eventually repulsed by terror attacks).

[Number1Dougster]

"The UN Resolutions, all of them, are arbitrary, and that includes the establishment of Israel."

That's certainly not what we hear from Israel's detractors who go on and on about how Israel is in violation of international law. By the way, I'm not at all denying that European Jews have migrated to Israel. Your use of the word "colonialization", however, is completely erroneous & misleading.

[nightskytube]

I favor a 1-state sol'n, secular democracy. I don't cherry pick resolutions. As far as I'm concerned tho, anyone who supports Israel does so based on UN charter, and is in a more hypocritical vein when they cherrypick.

Misleading? I don't think so.

[Number1Dougster]

"I favor a 1-state sol'n, secular democracy."

This is a formula to turn Israel into a de facto Palestinian State. NOT a realistic solution to the conflict.

"Misleading? I don't think so."

Colonialism is the extension of a nation's sovereignty over territory beyond its borders. The Jews who migrated from nations like Germany certainly weren't trying to extend Germany's sovereignty or influence. They were immigrants not colonizers. So your reference to colonialization IS misleading.

[Blackfish100]

Your definition of the term colonization is wrong.  Colonization is the settlement of a new aria. It has nothing to do with extending national boarders. Tribes who do not have nation states yet who colonize new lands are still known as colonizers. The term further extends into the animal kingdom, where creatures will colonize new territory. Animals certainly dont have nation states. I'm afraid your knowledge of the correct terminology is wanting.

[Blackfish100]

I simply can't think of any logical or natural reason why Israel should exist. The only arguments for its existence seem to be based on at best, a need for a status quo in order to maintain convenience (what could be less convention than dismantling an entire state and removing its people from an aria), and at worst is based on 19th century nationalism and religious zealotry.

[tincho25]

No no, you got it all wrong, Robert Fisk denounces Israel, he doesn't justify or excuse their actions

...keep watching CNN, I'm sure you consider them credible

[Number1Dougster]

"No no, you got it all wrong, Robert Fisk denounces Israel, he doesn't justify or excuse their actions"

And he's wrong to denounce Israel. How long are they supposed to resign themselves to rocket attacks from Gaza? Arab terrorist groups like Hamas & Hezbollah routinely hide among civilian populations ensuring high casualty rates due to collateral damage. Idiots like Fisk then demonize Israel for using "excessive force".

[tincho25]

Well, how long are the Palestinians resigned to getting killed by the hundreds???

Katyusha rockets have killed 10 people in the last 8 years. Israel killed 400 persons in 5 days. Still, all we hear is "Israel has a right to protect itself and its citizens", but who is protecting Palestinian citizens.

They are already getting slaughtered, does anyone care? Is the life of a Palestinian worth less than the life of an Israeli.

[nightskytube]

How long should the Germans have tolerated the Warsaw uprising?

[Number1Dougster]

"How long should the Germans have tolerated the Warsaw uprising?"

I'm not sure what your point is here. Please elaborate.

[humayunka]

Number1Dougster your arguments are hollow and supporters of zionis like you are despised by the vast majority of humankind.....so FUCK OFF!

[Number1Dougster]

Real mature response, humayunka. Tell your sister I want my money back!

[humayunka]

She says she wants more money because ur penis was too small and it was on ur head. Typical American burger infested asshole!

[Number1Dougster]

More of that killer "humayunka" wit! You must be the hit of the 2nd grade, little boy! Now go to back to your coloring books & leave debating to the adults.

[humayunka]

You? an adult? what a joke! My sister tells me u still breastfeed.....on ur daddys man boobs! I think you are totally brainless...as your support of the cowardly zionists of Israel clearly displays!

We the ppl of England consider america and israel terroists and we piss on ur fat american faces!

[Number1Dougster]

"My sister tells me u still breastfeed.....on ur daddys man boobs!"

THAT'S the best you can do? Pathetic.

"We the ppl of England consider america and israel terroists and we piss on ur fat american faces!"

That was just sad. What are you, 12?

[humayunka]

Does the truth hurt my little zionist friend? I know u still drink ur mothers milks so dont deny it! All zionists are fond of drinking their mothers milks.

[Number1Dougster]

This one is fond of your sister's breasts! Her kooch is a different story. Can't SOMEBODY in your family teach the little whore some feminine hygiene?

[humayunka]

Are you getting cranky cos ur mummys doing her rounds on the streets? Dont worry she will be back with a lot of money...$10 a time she charges! When she comes back she will feed her little boy an if the milk has been drunk by punters she will treat you to a blow job.

Just be a patient little boy or a nice muslim man will come and spank ur little buttocks!

[seneca4295]

Egypt could have at least opened the borders to Gaza. At least for basic goods and humanitaran aid.