With respect to both sides of this arguement, and realizing the generalist nature of my comment, it is time for an intervention. In fact it is long past time. The parties have no ability to resolve the issues, there is legitimacy to both sides, or at least they believe they have a rationale on both sides. An effective US policy would be to place ourselves between the combatants, declaring that the Palestinians have the right to a homeland, and the Israeli's have a right to the same and to exist. We should do so fully recognizing the legitimate aims of both, and the legitimate criticisms of both. I am hopeful that President Obama will use our foreign aid, diplomatic corps, and military to do just that. The causes of this are too shrouded by the mists of propaganda and time to do anything else.

You can't shoot missiles at someone, hide in churches and behind children, and expect to get sympathy. Neither can you wield an indiscrimate axe, slay innocents, and destroy their ability to live with the most basic requirements of life, and expect the world to see you as a just avenger. Enough already.

OK, I am off the "broad characterizations" soapbox and will return to the cave.

Mick