To the editor:
Ellen Metzger's Viewpoint ("Another look at the conflict," 4/19) shows a complete lack of understanding and falls back on the founding myths of Zionism.
Israel, under Ariel Sharon, has made repeated incursions into Palestinian territory, it has seized Palestinian land in Gaza, expanded settlements, and renewed its policy of home demolitions. And yet, Ms. Metzger claims that Ariel Sharon is not a "hard-liner."
The Palestinian economy lies in ruin because of the ongoing siege of Palestinian towns and villages. Prior to the outbreak of war, GDP per capita in the West Bank and Gaza Strip was $900 and over $18,000 in Israel. Since October, that disparity has widened further. Poverty and unemployment have skyrocketed in the Palestinian territories and now, for the first time since 1967, starvation may become a reality.
Metzger's article is filled with historical inaccuracies. She claims that "Israel has never denied any religion the right to visit their holy sites" but in fact, this is false. Israel has repeatedly prevented Palestinian Muslims and Christians from entering Jerusalem and therefore has denied Palestinians access to their holy sites on a number of occasions. Her claim that Israel has not once "set its sights on ordinary citizens, infants, or children" is a shocking mistruth. Nearly 100 children under the age of 18 have been killed by rubber-coated steel bullets.
Ariel Sharon was elected on a platform of assuring Israel's security. His brutal tactics have instead resulted in a lessening of security both for Palestinians and Israelis and his recent attack on a Syrian position in Lebanon risks a regional escalation. Rather than falling back on misrepresentations and spin-doctoring, it would be far better to speak out against the root cause of the conflict, which is Israeli occupation.
Faris Khader, Fletcher School, MALD '02
