On Israel's Right to Exist

I identify myself as a liberal in the humanistic sense, though I don't relate it to the partisan politics of today's USA. Nonetheless, I'm a little amazed at the increasingly negative view of Israel among many liberals.

One should view Israel in a large historical context: they were driven out of their homeland and then persecuted for religious reasons by the two faiths they helped create. From my readings, they've GENERALLY been an enlightened and peaceful people, contributing to the cultures in which they've lived. Nonetheless, the ignorant among many peoples often persecuted them, and even in the U.S.A. before World War 2 they faced much racism.

After the horrors of the holocaust and Stalinism, Israel was created, and I think it was an excellent idea. The Jewish people deserve a homeland. I'm no deep philosopher on the Jewish-Arabic conflict(though I'd point out that through history the Arabs were actually easier on the Jews than Christians.) I'm sure there have been mistakes on both sides.

I also know that Israel's been conducting a rather strong-armed PR campaign even in the USA, trying to solidify pro-Israel views. I'd point out that Israelis have a heritage of persecution, and they're insecure about their new homeland; The thinking person will assume the best for the motives of the Israeli people. I don't believe that they should or will be able to dominate the Middle East; Diplomacy must work and it can't all be on the Arabic side.

But for all the talk(and though I distance myself from dogmatic conservatives who have the same opinion,) I can understand why Israel doesn't want a Palestinian state so very very close. The freedoms that a state suggests would give the Palestinian militants dangerous abilities to strike at Israel with weapons they can't even acquire now(with the "help" of Islamists from outside.) As for splitting the capital, I just don't think that's viable.