Steven,

We do not differ very much on our assessments of the current situation. Also my point about the muslims of India is that theology does change to accommodate reality. There are many differences in the objective situations of Hindu-Muslim relations and Jewish-Muslim relations but I think it is significant that the Muslim religious thinkers in India adapted what is a proof of the faith so that they could continue to believe in Islam even though the proof was lacking. It happens that Christianity and Judaism both went through the same process but very long ago.

As for peace and wars to the death; First, the current Israeli task is to live long and prosper in the absence of peace. Second, Israel must remain aware of what changes are happening on the other side so that real opportunities for peace are not missed. Third, Israel must learn from past experience. For instance, Natanyahu's demand that the Palestinians recognize the right of the Jews to have a state of our own here, is in my opinion one of the lessons of the Oslo Peace Process.

None of the above is a method for achieving peace but it presumes that in principle peace is not out of reach to the extent that this conflict must be fought to the death; though there are several outside parties (not you) who are pleased to use Jewish and Arab blood to grind their own axes and once in a while some of them post on these forums.

Habesor

Feb 8, 2009 -- 1:43AM, Vanillaangel wrote:

I've always wanted to travel to the Holy Land. To feel what the energy of a culture thousands of years older than my own, in the States, has to offer. And yet, the violence and bloodshed make it a frightening thought of a perilous journey....

Israel is safer than many, if not most, locations in the US.

- This from a US expatriate, who lives in Israel and visits the US frequently.

You think it is not because of certain news stories. But remember, the news reports on the spicy stuff, not the boring stuff. It's not reality.

The Messiah Barack Obama will pressure all sides into a peace agreement.   Already, Israel agreed to stop some settlements, and the Muslims all like him.

The only thing stopping a peace is that the Messiah Obama is preoccupied with domestic matters in the US.  When he wraps that up, then he'll turn to the Mideast.  On an Easter Sunday, he will ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, and people will throw palms at his feet.

If the Republicans would just stop spreading lies and taking up Obama's time, then he'd have time to negotiate peace in the world.

Obama is the Messiah, come to bring peace to the world, to heal the sick.  If he doesn't succeed, it's only because of the devious Republicans, a vast rightwing conspiracy, and in particular Sarah Palin's fault.  She's to blame for everything.  If the economy doesn't improve, it's Sarah's fault.   She wields much too much power.   Obama could be rendered impotent with such a devious woman.   Obama is the Messiah, and Sarah is the Great Satan.

Her supporters quote Thomas Jefferson that "it's time to water the tree of liberty."  How unamerican, the words of nazis and violent subversives.  We need to crack down on these treasonous people spreading evil propaganda.  Tree of liberty indeed.

Aug 23, 2009 -- 4:49PM, theinterpreter wrote:

First the Battle of Ar Mageddon must be fought against demon-possessed kings of the east and then there will be 1000 years fo peace. I believe the Battle of Ar Mageddon began on 9/11 when the Euphrates was dry.

That may happen, Intepreter, but I hope not in my lifetime.

 Besides, it's been more than seven years since 9-11