It seems to me that the world's view of Israel as "victims" came about as a result of the Holocaust (including US feelings of guilt over their delay in responding), and in the "David and Goliath" days Israel faced in its early years in fighting an alliance of powerful neighbors who wanted to "drive the Jews into the sea." I believe that when Israel prevailed, survived and thrived, the enemies of Israel found it more effective to portray them as "oppressors." Israel won its military wars, but they lost the public relations war during the Intifada. I think the division we see in American Jewish perspectives, and perhaps Israeli Jewish perspectives, is in part a function of how well and how vividly one remembers that lengthy fight for survival. I know that several of my fellow reviewers feel very strongly that Israel is a wicked oppressive entity, equivalent to the apartheid regimes of South Africa, but I believe it is reasonable to at least listen to what Israel is saying; for that reason I've posted some pieces that would be considered "pro-Israel". This is one topic on which I don't believe the popular media does a very good job. The topic is so heated that no one is listening anymore; I think most of us listen reflexively according to the position we have already taken and filter all new events through that filter. This has been a long, rambling Comment, but I want other reviewers to know why I lean toward defending Israel when the topic arises. I do, however, respect your views and I consider your reviews and comments carefully. Keep 'em coming.