I'm not ignoring the history of the region, John Hindsill. I can answer the questions you posed by making direct connections to the history of the region. But my opposition to the government of Israel is because of it's treatment of the Palestinians. Nothing more, nothing less. And people's opposition to the government of Israel is the subject of this thread.

At any rate, as I said, I don't have time to properly address your questions right now, so I'll have to leave it for another time, perhaps.

CarolC, whether for business, or pleasure, or both, have a safe trip to Michigan.

Thanks :-)