Letter: Israel’s record also warrants U.S. intervention

Monday, March 31, 2003 | 9:10 a.m.

Brian Greenspun's March 23 Where I Stand column states that since the U.S. Army is in the Mideast that "area of the world could use a little more cleaning up." He is right. But in his list of bad actors he forgot to include the most notorious country of them all: Israel.

Israel has caused more death and destruction than any country in the region. It invaded and destroyed Lebanon. After its plans to turn Lebanon into an Israeli' colony failed, it finally retreated after destroying the country and its economy. Beirut, which had been called the Paris of the Mideast, lay in rubble.

For over 35 years Israel has controlled the West Bank, which is home to millions of Palestinians. In its attempt to steal the Palestinians' land, Israel has destroyed their economy and cities, imprisoned them in their homes and murdered thousands. Since the Palestinians have withstood the years of persecution, Israel is now building a wall to separate it from the Palestinians. However, a large percentage of Palestinian land is being added into Israel, inflicting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with Israeli domination.

If the U.S. is not willing to take military action against this rogue state, at least we can eliminate the billions of dollars we give Israel. This assistance makes the U.S. an accomplice to the many atrocities being perpetrated by Israel.

STEVE HUTCHINSON