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 Israeli offensive in the West Bank is, in my opinion, offensive. Firstly I am not of Arab or Jewish descent and I have never supported my tax dollars flowing into Israel, our so-called Ally. The United States has sided with Israel since its creation post WW2. The country could not survive on its' own merits from both an economic and a defense standpoint. It is a country which is openly racist and it continues to utilize the cheap labor of the Palestinians. It has clearly piggybacked our aggressive anti-terrorist campaign that we used to enter into Afghan territory. I believe that US sponsored support of Israel during this clear declaration of war will hinder US-Arab relations. Moreso, it will encourage radicals to correctly label us of the enemy. Israel is their enemy, we sponsor the enemy. The natural effect will be future attacks on Americans both abroad and at home. The US can never be an effective leader in Israeli-Palestian peace negotiations since we have clearly taken sides. Shame on U.S.

Steve Rhodes, Arlington MA

Life is what you make of it.........................

Lao Tzu, China

no. no. yes. one of my overriding concerns is that the Palestinian people know they have our sympathy and support, while we condemn the actions of their leader.

cathy, medford

1. No. 2. Yes. 3. Not really, but anything is possible when you are talking about the actions of fanatics. I used to think the Palestinians had a real issue that needed dealing with. But time and time again they show that they only understand bloodshed - and have the nerve to claim that Israel is a "State Terrorist". They get what they deserve now. For good or bad, they brought this on themselves this time.

Jerry, Southboro, MA

Absolutely! Isreal has the right to defend itself. If someone were to come to your house and endanger your family you would defend yourself at all cost. #2 We have tried but we cannot negotiate unless the parties involved are dedicated to peace. #3 We are not more likely to be attack because america is already blamed for the support it has given Isreal already.

john , revere

Israel should get out and try to negotiate peace. I see no difference between Palestinians plight and those of Irish Catholics in Northern Ireland. If we back the 26+6=1 mantra, we need to be consistent.

concerned, brighton

President George Bush needs to tell the Isrealis they have 48 hours to withdraw or they loose us as an ally. Palestinains need to be told 1 more bombing and kiss the dream of a Palestian state goodbye! If none of them act then its time for Nato or the EU to move in. Enough is enough. (The planets are to line-up soon, this month i believe) Prophesy Prophesy Lets all help make Armaggedon come true!

Robert Sullivan, Maynard

I think Israel needs to fight their own little war on terrorism. The palestinians obviously have no desire for peace as they continue the suicide bombing on the very day of the peace talks.

USA Forever, boston ma

You can't negotiate peace. You must defeat your enemy and dictate the terms of peace.

Fred Mertz, TV town

It's about time this offensive took place. No one wants war but how many suicide bombers does it take. Israel herself is not above blame. Prime Minister Sharon is the one who started this way back in September 2000 by walking into the Mosque. I feel that the US should stay out of this fray until the battles slow down as this will not stop for some time. As for Yasser he should be exiled his wanting to be a martyr is just sending signals to those would be bombers to continue its terror

Kevin, Waltham MA