I think a few of the posts following my very long cut and paste show that even outside of Israel and Palestine, a large number of people are entrenched in the historical narrative of one people or the other. And if anyone says anything which conflicts with their narrative, that makes them part of the enemy. No matter that these *enemies* have stated that they condemn violence on both sides and do not favour one side above the other. I wonder if it is possible for the *guests* who posted here to stop for a second, and actually read the article I posted and think whether any of it applies to them. I don't ask that you post anything about what you have read unless you want to. Just read and think. It's not a lot to ask.

Don't forget that things can change as long as we believe they can and put political pressure where we can to strive for peace. Nelson Mandela was once a terrorist. Now, though things are far from perfect, there is a real democracy in South Africa. Most people in Northern Ireland (at least the many I have spoken to) now believe the way forward is through the peace process and not yet more violence. Things can and do change and we must never give up hope.

Bagpuss