I don't always agree with Jim but his post quoting from the 'Guardian' was refreshingly sane and sensible. If people have reasons for doing what they do then they are responsible for what they do. If it's some sort of disorder at work then somehow they're not to blame (have I got that right?). Makes sense to me. If anything I'd go a little further. Even if people have been damaged and traumatised (either individually or collectively) that still doesn't let them off the hook. That goes equally for Israelis and Palestinians - or at least the people who purport to represent them. I still don't think that means the West is always the bad guy, though.