I think it is high time that the role of the US in agitating the Israeli-Palestinian cycle of violence is recognized. There is a belief that interminable violence in Israel is ordained by scripture and that its escalation signifies the approach of some apocalyptic soteriological event, held by some Christians (which may or may not include many members of the Bush Administration, you can judge for yourself from their actions).

Many extremists within the Christian community speak openly about the violence in Israel as a sign of "the End Times." Given this perspective, and given their confidence that this conflict, and its continuation is the will of God, how can we trust these people (and aff...

I think it is high time that the role of the US in agitating the Israeli-Palestinian cycle of violence is recognized. There is a belief that interminable violence in Israel is ordained by scripture and that its escalation signifies the approach of some apocalyptic soteriological event, held by some Christians (which may or may not include many members of the Bush Administration, you can judge for yourself from their actions).

Many extremists within the Christian community speak openly about the violence in Israel as a sign of "the End Times." Given this perspective, and given their confidence that this conflict, and its continuation is the will of God, how can we trust these people (and affiliated politicians) to truly act in good faith when negotiating peace?

I stress that this is only one interpretation of scripture, and not characteristic of Christianity so much as the politics of some Christians. The vested interest in unrest in the middle east is really more of a post colonial perspective in the West.

It is essential for Israel to realize that America, as it stands, is not acting in Israel's interests, and that far from protecting it, American politicians and religious extremists are stoking the fire that threatens consume it.

ouyangwulong, you make a very important case in your comments to my clip. I am always amazed and angered when I see American Jews, of which I am one, praising the evangelical Christians who come out in strong support of Israel. This is strictly self-serving on their part, for sure. It is as if they are willing to use the Jews as cannon fodder in order to ensure the Rapture of their dreams and beliefs.

The U.S. support of Israel, I believe, is a combination of the Evangelical interference as well as our insistence in controlling the region for our own purposes. It seems to me that the U.S., especially as of late, has been putting Israel in increased jeopardy rather than protecting them. ...

ouyangwulong, you make a very important case in your comments to my clip. I am always amazed and angered when I see American Jews, of which I am one, praising the evangelical Christians who come out in strong support of Israel. This is strictly self-serving on their part, for sure. It is as if they are willing to use the Jews as cannon fodder in order to ensure the Rapture of their dreams and beliefs.

The U.S. support of Israel, I believe, is a combination of the Evangelical interference as well as our insistence in controlling the region for our own purposes. It seems to me that the U.S., especially as of late, has been putting Israel in increased jeopardy rather than protecting them. After all, we all know that Israel is perfectly capable of protecting itself from any and all comers, what with their enormously strong and well equipped military and nuclear capabilities.