[Nazē.]

Peace meeting.

When I first heard about that, I felt pleasantly surprised. Then, when I learned of the part where they'll refuse to shake hands with Israeli officials, it was more outraged indignance than surprise.

Seriously. They're going to attend a peace meeting, but will not shake hands with certain people.

... Defeats the purpose a little bit, yes? It's just ridiculous. They might as well not attend and remain as childish as they'd like to be. I really resent the fact these people have power. I've seen five-year-olds more mature than this. It's pathetic.

[/rant]

[Yevgeny Borisovitch Volgin]

Indeed, you are correct- that is pretty stupid to not shake hands with someone at a peace meeting.

I am not being sarcastic.

[Aaron]

"We are not prepared to take part in a theatrical show, in handshakes and meetings that don't express political positions. We are going with seriousness and we work on the same seriousness and credibility," he said after the meeting.

If they still have animosity toward Israel, then why shake hands just for the newspapers?

[Neraphym]

They hate Jews. Surprised?

[Zziggywolf5]

They hate Jews. Surprised?

Indeed.

The only reason Saudi Arabia went was because the United States bugged them about it until they agreed to come.

[©allum]

Well if you look at it from their point of view, Israel is a state made up by the west in their territory. I'm not surprised, really.

[Bobette]

They hate Jews. Surprised?

Wow. o_.

[Ratty]

Sad.

[Bobette]

Hmm. I think the fact that they showed up is a start, even if their behavior was childish. :\

[Aaron]

Well if you look at it from their point of view, Israel is a state made up by the west in their territory. I'm not surprised, really.

+1

[Traver]

Wouldn't the other option (forcing them to shake hands against their will) be equally as detrimental to the peace?

[Neraphym]

Well if you look at it from their point of view, Israel is a state made up by the west in their territory. I'm not surprised, really.

Indeed, Israel should have never existed, but they'd hate Jews regardless. There's too much against them in their culture, their religion, and they way they make up and perpetuate anti-semitic myths (w0mg, Pepsi!). Christians do this to some extent, too, though that is mostly in the past (I hope). Israel is just an excuse to hate Jews; the hatred was already there.

The only way to peace in the middle east is liberalism and secularism. Let's hope they move in that direction.

[©allum]

There will never be peace in the Middle East as long as Israel is there.

[Zziggywolf5]

The only way to peace in the middle east is liberalism and secularism. Let's hope they move in that direction.

Secularism? Good luck with that. The Middle East consists of Muslim states and a single Jewish state. I don't think there is a secular state to start with.

[Neraphym]

Actually, I hear Turkey is doing a good job at keeping secular.