What is "genocide," I've been thinking about too and #1, I think politicians are afraid to use the word because if something is officially declared "genocide," by a UN law it would demand UN action to stop it. (I think).

The UN definition is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocide

I avoided using the word to describe what Israel is doing in Palestine for a long time because people would argue about it...so complaining about "collective punishment," (a war crime) or the blockade (an act of war) or apartheid (racism) was easier to make the point of mistreatment, point to clear facts, and avoid arguments about definitions.

I've noticed, too, the UN "official definition," doesn't mention ...

What is "genocide," I've been thinking about too and #1, I think politicians are afraid to use the word because if something is officially declared "genocide," by a UN law it would demand UN action to stop it. (I think).

The UN definition is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocide

I avoided using the word to describe what Israel is doing in Palestine for a long time because people would argue about it...so complaining about "collective punishment," (a war crime) or the blockade (an act of war) or apartheid (racism) was easier to make the point of mistreatment, point to clear facts, and avoid arguments about definitions.

I've noticed, too, the UN "official definition," doesn't mention the taking of land...although certainly seizing land, making people homeless, would be part of a genocide campaign.

But what I read reliable UN reports that livestock was being destroyed, farms were being destroyed, olive grooves, industries, that fishing was prevented that electrical and sewer systems destroyed, that Arabs were not allowed to rebuild homes and more such things, I started to use the word: genocide, for those reason: because that is deliberate and systematic destruction.

Hugo Chavez of Venezuela also now uses the term, but right now it's considered "radical," or "wild," to say so, I suppose but it should really be clear.

I guess Israeli's would not agree. They might start by saying the Palestinians are not even a nation or specific race....but Jordanians or something.

A video of the whole speech, btw, is at this link. Also complains about UN rules giving veto power to major powers, complaints about oil being valued in $$USD (which does have big influences)...complaints about clear hypocrasy of the USA and Israel starting and continuing wars and then complaining it's the victims of these invasions who are the troublemakers.

What he meant...and what's real best translation of "racial ambitions," of Israel maybe wild? Maybe true? Considered too extreme to say ?