Quite right Steve, I did not live there. As a Palestinian . I also never claimed that Israel is blameless in that sorry mess that is the Middle East. When living there one IS aware of the split personality of the place...the deeply held belief that The Jewish people feel the need for a " homeland" and the equally obvious fact that Palestinians need a "homeland" as well. most of the people I knew whilst living there recognized both those needs but obviously could not agree as to how that should happen.
My personal belief is that Palestinians have been shafted both by Israel and by their own leadership.
On a slightly lighter.note, I have lived in four countries over my working life. I hope, if the conversation arises, that I may be anble to comment on them as well. But, to return to your point, I do know that .living in a place does not always give one expertise but Do feel that experience of a place is, in many ways, a great teacher if one is interested and observant.