President Bush considered the most ugly of all Americans is in the Mideast on an alleged quest for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. This trip is an example of the contempt for honesty and democracy in our government and media.
Any realistic solution to this conflict must include the majority political party in both countries. It's as if Hamas, the party supported by the people, in both the West Bank and Gaza has been exterminated. Even the Hartford Courant carried the story in January 2006, that Hamas in a free, internationally-monitored, democratic election had defeated the ruling Fatah party by winning the majority of seats in their election. Hamas won 76 seats, Fatah only 43.
Palestinians made the decision that Hamas was the best vehicle for an extended fight for freedom against the Israeli occupation. Following that election the Americans and Israelis began a campaign of collective punishment. Tax returns due to Palestinians were impounded, and vicious sanctions were imposed --most hurtful to children, women and the elderly. The U.S. an Israel proceeded to divide and conquer, giving arms and money to the loosing side. This is much like we are doing in Iraq--paying off and arming the Sunnis who lost the election, while the Shiite who won and oppose that policy really have no choice.
There are daily extra-judicial assassinations in Palestine, and their economy is destroyed by military checkpoints. A lack of balanced reporting on these issues shames America. Even with access to the most advance communications tools on earth, we remain misinformed about the Mideast.
Peace.