I am not defending bias... but I am certainly aware of how it is part of 'almost' any debate about the Middle East.

Defeatist? Not exactly... pessimistic is my choice of terms. I think anyone who really cares should never give up trying to make sense... and to promulgate a version of sense whenever possible.

I watched Netanyahu before he ever became PM and was struck by his inflexible attitude. Since then, I have seen my concerns justified.

I also see the Palestinian side give him constant 'excuses' for his rhetoric (rockets, bombers...etc.)... as I see him and/or Israel dare the Palestinians to obect to the settlements...etc.

NO ONE even considers a shared state in the region, with fair treatment for all; they can barely stand to allow 'the other side' to access the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif for worship.
When two sides of a dispute use deep-seated religious traditions as an ultimate defense for political/economic stances, why would I be anything BUT pessimistic? For 40 years now I have watched various friends of mine take sides, often vehemently, over the Irish situation, the Middle East situation, the USSR situation, the USA racial situation... and a host of issues which seem minor in comparison. I have recently been accused of bigotry & denial for my 'failure' to staunchly support someone else's arbitrary position........... pessimism is hard to avoid.