Letter: Even-handed U.S. policy needed in Mideast

To the editor:

Regarding your (Clifford D. May,) piece, “Ireland’s peace of sorts not an acceptable model for Middle East” (Daily Journal, Oct. 3), you really need to read “The Israel Lobby and U.S Foreign Policy,” by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt (2007). This scholarly work completely debunks your contention that Israel has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to compromise with the Palestinians in order to achieve peace.

On the contrary, Israel has repeatedly demonized the Palestinians, stolen their property, restricted their freedom of movement and attacked civilians indiscriminately with overwhelming force. The Israel lobby in the U.S., made up primarily of Jewish Americans and right-wing Christians, is powerful enough to have Congress at their beck and call.

The result is unconditional support of Israel financially, militarily and politically — even when it is against our own national interest and causes dismay among our allies. No rational peace between Israel and the Palestinians is likely until the U.S. government reins in the territorial demands of Israel and treats both sides fairly and equally.

Our policies with respect to Israel and the Palestinians have inflamed the entire Arab world against us. That flame will only grow hotter and brighter until we develop and implement a more even-handed foreign policy in the Middle East.

Jim Curry

Franklin