May 31, 2010

A flotilla of six ships tried to make its way to Gaza, a small strip of land occupied by Palestinians and blockaded by Israel since 2007 because the people there elected a leader they did not like.

The convoy was carrying thousands of tons of humanitarian aid and about 600 civilians who wanted to provide not only aid but point out dramatically that the Israeli blockade is inhumane and wrong.

For their efforts, Israel decided to attack the aid ships yesterday and after it did, complains some of the passengers defended themselves with knives, clubs and some handguns. The result has been 9 or 10 dead Turkish nationals and more than two dozen people injured.

Why the attack? It is not exactly clear except that as a terrorist nation it does what it wants and feels inflicting more misery is somehow justified. They will undoubtedly say their attack was based on “national security” and claim the convoy was actually delivering rockets and other arms. This is just more “Bush Doctrine” which stated it is okay to attack first and ask questions later.

Obama must publicly condemn this act and do so immediately. He doesn't have to say “rogue state” but he needs to convey the message that their actions are unacceptable. Maybe he could also cut back some of the billions of dollars in aid the United States sends to Israel each year.

The money and support from the United States makes Israel feel they are immune from censure and consequences which makes them a rogue terrorist state.