Your thoughts on the conflict in the Mideast

Do you think the Israeli offensive in the West Bank is an effective way to halt terror attacks against Israelis? Do you think the United States has been an effective leader in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations? Are you concerned the conflict is making a terrorist attack on the US more likely? Share your thoughts.

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The Palestinians do not have rights to live in their homeland? Every day and night they face the terror of an armed force by a nation supported by the only superpower in the world. What a shame!

Chris Webber, Boston

The Isreali offensive is the only way to halt the attacks. Dead men tell no tales or in this case blow no bombs. The US peace effort was very effective. We got the two parties to the point where there was an agreement on the table which Arafat chose not to sign, exposing his true intentions, the destruction of Isreal. There is no doubt we have made ourselves a larger target. We are at war. We are not battling states as much as we are at war with a culture that has defined us as their enemy. Sometimes you can chose your battles, sometimes you can't. This battle was thrust upon us. There are only two outcomes, we fight to win and survive or we choose to capitulate.

Al , Arlington

It seems to me that after supposed "concessions" are made neither side will lay down arms. Each side should be completely disarmed and forced by the UN to agree to a lasting peace or have all world support withdrawn. Nothing else will work

Lynne Crowley, Framingham

I just don't think that either side is really trying for peace. I think that someone should explain what the word *compromise* means to both parties and make them do just that!

H, Boston

1.) No, it will cause more violence and terror in the long run. 2.) No, the U.S. should be more firm in their attempts to stop the Israelis retaliation against the Palentinians. The U.S. has a double standard; in the U.S., if a state does not follow Federal mandate such as the speed limit requirements, federal highway funds are cut off. Well, we should be restricting or even eliminating our foreign aid to Israel. 3.) Yes, the Arab countries and their citizens view us as unfairly supporting Israel under any circumstances no matter how atrocious they act. Therefore, they will possibly retaliate out of desperation to get our attention. Basic diplomacy dictates that you should not back a person into a corner without some means of a compromise that lets them save face.

Gary L. LaPlante, Simsbury

In the past, I have never wavered for in my support for Israel, as they always appeared as the "civilized," peace-driven of the two parties, but I must say I am quite disappointed to see the Boston Globe's poll showing this sense of support still incredible high in the US. Palestinian suicide bombings are wrong and indefensible, but the recent onslaught and rampage destruction being waged against the Palestinian people right now has got to stop. Israel can't have both peace and their ever increasing (numbers and size) settlements in Palestinian territories. Peace can only be achieved through compromise or total annhiliation of one of the parties. The US, or the EU, has got to go in there before the second option is chosen.

Bernie, Cambridge

Isreal can't just sit by and watch their civilians get blown to pieces while they sit down at dinner or shop for groceries. They have a right to track down these "terrorists" and serve them justice.

jack dempsey, billerica

I find it rather ironic that the entire Arab world, along with much of the American left cried foul when the United States continued their efforts in the war on terrorism by bombing MILITARY TARGETS during the muslim holy month of Ramadan, yet where was the outcry when terrorists set out for civilian targets during the Jewish holiday of Passover? Israel is right in taking the offensive, all Arafat had to offer was empty promises and lies.

Jay, Norton

People are more inclined to support Israel because the media only reports pro-Israeli news. I haven't heard one reputable source quote how many civilian deaths have been caused by the Israeli invasion - and how many have been caused throughout the years. Just because you have an army doewn't mean killing children and women and non-combatant men is legitimate.

R, Cambridge

Israel cannot sit back and let suicide bombers kill innocent civilians. They are doing the right thing by uprooting these terrorists. They are no different from the attacks on the US, and when the size of Israel is compared with the US, the killings are just as devastating.

Evan, Boston