Comments on: Tonio speaks, Israel listens

By: P Shaw

P Shaw — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:09:21 +0000

I still remember the shameful episode, where Guido de Marco held the trembling hands of Yasser Arafat. Watching that scene I cringed on my couch, hoping that not a lot of foreigners saw that sad episode.

I can’t understand why Maltese politicians are so eager to voice their concern whenever Israel reacts to the continuous bombardment they are subjected to. The citizens close to Gaza spend a lot of time in bomb shelters. Obviously nobody utters a word, unless Israel reacts. I feel so embarrassed to be represented by these politicians.

I used to think that it is only the MLP which is so fond of the Palestenians, but the PN are equally disappointing. De Marco was the worst. Nobody ever queried his close relationship with one-time terrorist Arafat.

The irony is that Islamists openly justify their terrorist acts in the Palestinian cause, but then claim privately that they do not want any Palestinian refugees within their territory. Lebanon was a case in point. It was a rich country until it was ‘taken over’ by the Palestinians and Arafat, who was moved on from country to country. It has never recovered since then.

By: Daphne Caruana Galizia

Daphne Caruana Galizia — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:05:09 +0000

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081230/local/protest-against-massacre-in-gaza-held-in-valletta

By: Muad'dib

Muad'dib — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:55:15 +0000

I feel sympathy for the Palestinians because they’re fighting for their very lives, their homes and children against unsanctioned Israeli aggression. For Israel, everyone is an enemy and they will not stop until their enemies are destroyed. To prove their unrelenting hatred, the Israelis cut off water and electricity supplies to Gaza Strip adding more misery to the Palestinian cause. And these are the same people who blabber endlessly to us about human rights and how much they have suffered. Seems they haven’t learned from history, that hate breeds hate. The Palestinians have a right to fight back against such brutality. Long live the fighters!

By: Mario P

Mario P — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:20:35 +0000

I sympathise with the Israeli nation because it is the only true democratic country in a region where democracy can hardly raise its head. On the other hand the hurt of the Palestinians is a real one (and exacerbated by their brother Arabs) as they have been used by one and all. I’m afraid that this is a region where peace cannot prevail – which is extremely ironic as it is the birthplace of at least three major religions. As for us speaking out about violence, why not? How would we then expect anyone to speak on our behalf when violence is visited upon us?

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:12:31 +0000

Well, yes I guess his omission in not speaking out whenever there is injustice in the world is wrong, but that doesn’t mean he or any one of us should be quiet about this one.

As anyone with half a brain knows, this is nothing about the Israelis protecting themselves, and all about politics!

By: H.P. Baxxter

H.P. Baxxter — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:55:14 +0000

@ Fausto:

Correct. Actually, I should have included just about everyone in the politico-intellectual milieu on this rock. When things don’t concern us, we should just shut up. Because the Republic Street keffiyeh antic then has to be counterbalanced by the synagogue kippa antic. And so on down the slippery slope.

We delude ourselves in thinking that such charades endear us to everyone. Au contraire, we’re despised by both sides.

By: david farrugia

david farrugia — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:51:22 +0000

It’s the same statement all EU foreign ministers issued. Besides, he was reciprocating the statement issued by the Palestinian president (Hamas’s enemy no 2), where he showered praise on Malta, last week.

By: John Schembri

John Schembri — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:58:20 +0000

[Daphne – When was the last time he expressed concern, out loud and in public, about violence anywhere else in the rest of the world?]
Who cares? There’s always the first time.
We all know that you dislike Tonio.

[Daphne – Well, John, you and he share the same values. I don’t.]

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:01:30 +0000

I don’t see anything wrong with Tonio Borg’s statement. It calls on both sides to show restraint.

[Daphne – When was the last time he expressed concern, out loud and in public, about violence anywhere else in the rest of the world?]

By: Fausto Majistral

Fausto Majistral — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:25:49 +0000

@H.P.Baxxter

You missed out one important name: Michael Frendo.

http://malta9thermidor.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/minding-our-own-business/