The current situation is too hopeless to reflect on the past in such a way.

Yes, it does. And those who control the narrative invariably interpret the home team's actions favorably and heroically, while the opponents are smeared as rebels and terrorists.

It's certainly to Israel's credit, as an open society, that authors such as Ilan Pappe can research and publish. In a recent interview with Frank Barat, Pappe said:

"I am completing several books. The first is a concise history of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the other is on the Palestinian minority in Israel and one on the Arab Jews. I am completing an edited volume comparing the South Africa situation to that of Palestine."

http://www.counterpunch.org/barat06062008.html

Wow — that proposed trilogy could occupy a lifetime.

For such a proportionately larger country, the number of even-handed commentators in the United States — particularly those who have served in official capacities — is embarrassingly small. Jimmy Carter comes to mind, but there aren't many others. The culture has changed precipitously; the U.S. is no longer a leader in open inquiry and debate. Like Britain, it is reduced to coasting along on the myths of its past glory.

In telling us about this account where Zionist Jews carried out a terrorist bombing on Palestinians, absolutely predating any act of Palestinian terrorism, then the moral high ground is instantly ceded to the Palestinians, and speaks to a certain amount of legitimization of these terrorist tactics (rockets, etc). That is, if the Israeli creation story is deemed legitimate and justified, than by the logic used by Israel to justify their "responses," then the acts of Hamas become a legitimate response as well. Stated in the reverse, if you believe the acts of Hamas are illegitimate acts of terrorism, then so must be the initial genesis of Israel.

Phil, you've armed both the legitimate ultra-Zionism critics and the antisemites with this one, with what seems to me to be a knock-out blow. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Actually "David" no it isn't, not in the least, since the acts are all between the same parties over the same issues, but nice try on raising the "moral relativism" canard.

Would you like to claim antisemitism too? Maybe anti-Israel sentiment as well? Anything else to try and deflect from this objective logical truth? No wonder the Nakba denial is so strong, look what there is at stake mentally for the true believers.