Genocide? The Land is ours? Data.

[dutch777]

2. Interesting history. Thank you. I keep wondering if looking more forward than backward would not be better.

Historical perspective is valuable. It lets us know where peoples and the basis of current issues came from. And I am no expert on the mid east. But looking at it as land without borders for a moment intrigues me. Seems there is a ALOT of raw land. I know, all desert and rocks and not enough water and lots that is inhospitable, today. The Israelis have done a remarkable job of taking some very marginal lands and making them more productive and hospitable. And I wonder if we could ignore borders in a thought exercise, look at all the land, understand how good our agricultural and other technologies are that could make more of it hospitable and see if in the region-- Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, Egypt, Jordan and maybe Syria-- could not support a different distribution of land use and peoples ( and yes, borders) that protects Israel and provides for a free and sustainable Palestinian homeland. And maybe a more peaceful future. Maybe we can never let go of history and move on, but in this situation I don't see how continuing an endlessly more violent cycle of violence and hatred shows any hope. I think in this age we can do better as a human race.