11 Comments

1. felicity  •  Jan 16, 2009 @1:40 pm
   

   The Queen’s views yesterday on Morning Joe – and yes thank zeus Joe wasn’t there – were the first rational and reasoned summary of the Gaza tragedy I’ve heard anywhere on MSM.

   According to an article over on Truthdig, Israel is dropping white phosphorous shells in densely populated areas of Gaza. According to Greenwald, we’re supplying much of the stuff Israel is using against the people of Gaza. Given our fondness for inflicting cruel, unusual and illegal punishment on human beings, we’re probably also supplying Israel with white phosphorous materiel. We make me sick.

2. eap  •  Jan 16, 2009 @2:25 pm
   

   I am not able to watch the video at the moment, but I would note that the discourse of Greenwald ( who IMO is highly overrated in general) on the IP conflict is very far from open-minded and realistic. Like most in the “progressive” blogosphere, his reaction to the perceived one-sidedness of the emmessemm coverage of the matter is one-sidedness in the other direction.

   For example, neither he nor anyone else is having a word to say today about the fact that the Hamas leadership whose own personal asses are safe in Damascus are happily offering up their Gazan brethren for further slaughter — AND seeking to escalate the conflict — rather than negotiate with the evil Zionist empire.
   http://uk.reuters.com/article/middleeastCrisis/idUKLG462043
   Though I’m sure there’s a way to blame that, too, on Israel.

3. maha  •  Jan 16, 2009 @3:43 pm
   

   I am not able to watch the video at the moment, but I would note that the discourse of Greenwald ( who IMO is highly overrated in general) on the IP conflict is very far from open-minded and realistic. Like most in the “progressive” blogosphere, his reaction to the perceived one-sidedness of the emmessemm coverage of the matter is one-sidedness in the other direction.

   In other words, you have no idea what’s in the videos, but because you are a brainwashed wingnut you assume that it’s pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli. It isn’t, and you’re an idiot, but we expect that of you.

   Don’t bother attempting to answer. Let me heartily assure you that no one here gives a bleep what you think.

4. erinyes  •  Jan 16, 2009 @6:08 pm
   

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMGuYjt6CP8

5. erinyes  •  Jan 16, 2009 @6:17 pm
   

   http://www.heyokamagazine.com/heyoka_magazine.24.contents.htm

6. erinyes  •  Jan 16, 2009 @6:51 pm
   

   In a comment several weeks ago I stated that I detest religious fanatics….
   http://www.heyokamagazine.com/heyokamagazine.24.wipethemallout.htm

   These are religious fanatics, every bit as dangerous as Al Qaida.
   Sadly, one is a member of congress, another a leader of a state.

7. uncledad  •  Jan 16, 2009 @7:31 pm
   

   Felicity,

   I’m not sure how the IDF is using white phosphorus and I wouldn’t doubt if they were abusing it. When I was in the army (I was a cannoneer-artillery) we used white phosphorus to light up the “battle filed” at night. The shells are fired from a cannon and have a parachute, they act as a huge candle as they drift towards earth. I have seen video of the Gaza conflict were W-P is being used in this manner, however if it was used against people I’m sure that would be a War crime (not that the IDF really cares). W-P basically burns anywhere there is oxygen, if it was to come in contact with humans it would be quite a nasty death indeed.

8. erinyes  •  Jan 16, 2009 @8:07 pm
   

   http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/19786

9. A Canadian Reader  •  Jan 17, 2009 @9:32 pm
   

   Actually, Maha, I DO give a bleep about what eap thinks, and what little I’ve read by him/her does NOT lead me to believe that he/she is necessarily a moron or a rightie wingnut.

   I also think that eap should absolutely watch these videos. If Queen Noor were a major player in the negotiations, we’d be seeing some concrete steps toward a lasting piece.

   And finally, I’m intrigued by how vehemently you (Maha) have reacted to eap. Before the Gaza carnage, one of your readers posted a link to a truly ugly anti-semitic site. I, and at least one other reader, expressed concern about this site. You, Maha, remained silent.

   I just came back from supper with three Jewish friends who are as horrified as I am by what Israel is doing, but increasingly I feel that Jews such as myself and my friends cannot find a home on the right or the left.

10. maha  •  Jan 17, 2009 @11:24 pm
    

    Before the Gaza carnage, one of your readers posted a link to a truly ugly anti-semitic site. I, and at least one other reader, expressed concern about this site. You, Maha, remained silent.

    I don’t remember that, and I’m sad to say I no longer have time to read all of the comments. It’s likely I didn’t see your objections. Is the link still up? Or did I take it down eventually?

    Believe it or not, sometimes many, many hours go by on Mahablog without my attention. I do other things.

    Actually, Maha, I DO give a bleep about what eap thinks, and what little I’ve read by him/her does NOT lead me to believe that he/she is necessarily a moron or a rightie wingnut.

    Passing judgment on a video one hasn’t seen = idiot.

    Running down Glenn Greenwald, who is a gentleman and personal acquaintance, is not exactly endearing, either.

    Assuming that commentary coming from liberals is knee-jerk anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian is absolutely unforgivable to me.

    If you want to know what eap thinks, find the creep and ask him/her/it. Eap is banned from commenting. Decision is final.

11. A Canadian Reader  •  Jan 18, 2009 @12:08 pm
    

    Maha,

    As you know, I really enjoy your posts and, for the most part, the responses you elicit. I shall continue to check this blog daily for its content and for the links.

    If you’ll permit, I’d just like to make one comment. Recently, I’ve found your reactions to those you disagree with, big and small, to be imbued with a fury that was not there in the deepest, darkest days of the Bush administration. Yes, I agree that there some truly nasty types have paid a visit to this site and they definitely deserved being booted off the island, but I can’t help feeling that your anger is becoming more and more explosive and that your fuse is shorter and shorter.

    It’s just my own personal observation. Take it purely as such.

    I wish you well and look forward to many more years of interesting reading.

    Your Canadian friend.

    P.S. I do remember who posted the link I referred to, but I honestly can’t remember how long ago it was. I am letting bygones be bygones by not naming the person.